Molecular cloning and sequence analysis of Spot 14 α in geese

Abstract

1. Spot 14 α acts as a transcription factor involved in the regulation of adipogenic enzymes via three thyroid response elements in its promoter region. The objective of the current research was to clone and sequence the Spot 14 α gene in geese.

2. We cloned the cDNA sequence of goose Spot 14 α. The gene was predicted to encode a peptide of 128 amino acids, which has sequence identities of 87% cDNA and 84% amino acids, with the duck counterparts. High percentages of G and C nucleotides were found in exon and 3′ untranslated region of the goose Spot 14 α cDNA.

3. A novel frameshift mutation that leads to a damaged leucine zipper motif was observed at nucleotide position 399–400. This can influence the homodimerisation of Spot 14 α, probably resulting in dysfunction in the Spot 14 family in vivo.

4. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that goose and duck Spot 14 α form a monophyletic group. The Spot 14 α mRNA was highly expressed in the liver and adipose tissue of geese. The mRNA concentration and polymorphism of Spot 14 α in the lipogenic tissues of geese were related to the fatness trait.

Acknowledgements

This study was supported by Regulations on the National Natural Science Funds (30500360) and the Jiang su Postgraduate Renovation Project (CX08B_159Z).