Molecular cloning, distribution and ontogenetic expression of the oligopeptide transporter PepT1 mRNA in Tibetan suckling piglets

摘要

The gene encoding the oligopeptide transporter PepTl (HGMW-approved gene symbol SLC15A1) from Tibetan porcine intestine was cloned. The open reading frame of this cDNA encodes 708 deduced amino acid residues that show high sequence similarity with its ovine and bovine counterparts. The putative protein has 12 putative transmembrane domains, including many structural features that are highly conserved among the vertebrate orthologs. PepTl mRNA expression can be detected in duodenum, jejunum and ileum from Tibetan pigs at 28 days by RT-PCR. Real-time PCR analysis indicated that the jejunum had the highest expression of PepTl when compared with the duodenum and ileum. PepTl mRNA expression in the duodenum and proximal jejunum increases continuously from day 1 to day 14: expression was highest at day 14 (P < 0.01) and then decreased gradually from day 21 to day 35. Our findings show that PepTl mRNA expression in the distal jejunum increased gradually with age in suckling Tibetan piglet, and this may have important implications for amino acid and protein nutrition in young animals.