Molecular cloning, expression and variation analyses of the dopamine D2 receptor gene in pig breeds in China

Abstract

ABSTRACT. The dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) is a crucial mediator for normal physiological processes. We cloned the pig DRD2 gene, investigated its distribution in tissues and identified polymorphisms by RT-PCR, quantitative real-time PCR and direct sequencing. Two Yorkshire pigs from Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences (Guangzhou, China) were selected to clone the gene and investigate its expression; 16 individuals from four pig breeds (Yorkshire, Landrace, small-ear spotted, and Xinchang) were used to scan the variations. comprises five miRNA targeting sites, based on bioinformatics predictions. The pig DRD2 gene expresses predominantly in the pituitary gland, and then in oviducts and the hypothalamus. Both DRD2L and DRD2S mRNA were detected in cerebrum, cerebellum, hypothalamus, pituitary gland, back muscle, oviduct, uterus, and testis tissues; DRD2L was more abundant than DRD2S. The DRD2 gene is located on chromosome 9 and contains seven exons. Sixty-one different sequences were identified in this gene; among seven in the coding region, only one altered the encoded amino acid. These findings will help us understand the functions of the DRD2 gene in pigs.

The genes regulating maintenance of cellular protein location are differentially expressed in porcine epithelial oviductal cells during longterm in vitro cultivation

“…DRD2 gene encodes two distinct isoforms of dopamine receptor D2, both of them engaged in signalling through dopamine in the nervous system [12]. Moreover, the study by Xu et al revealed its expression in several other pig tissues, such as testes, back muscle and the oviduct, which is consistent with our results [13]. CXCL10 (C-X-C motif chemokine 10) encodes a chemokine, which is known to interact with DRD2 ( Fig.…”

Association of Dopamine D2 Receptor Gene Polymorphisms with Reproduction Traits in Domestic Pigeons (<i>Columba livia</i>)

“…It has been reported that even synonymous mutations may affect gene function by influencing translation with codon bias, changing the stability of the mRNA or controlling of transcription of the gene (Duan, 2003). Meanwhile, the mutations located in the intron region, could also affect the mRNA splicing or protein modification and were related with diseases or traits (Xu et al, 2011a). In this study, we found that individuals with the AB genotype of C4532T have higher FE and HN than those with the AA genotype.…”

“…DRD2 is a member of the G protein-coupled receptor with seven transmembrane domains and was first isolated from a brain cDNA library in rat ( Bunzow et al , 1988 ). Subsequently, the DRD2 gene had been studied in many species, including human, rat, canine, pig, turkey, and chicken ( Gandelman et al , 1991 ; Montmayeur et al , 1991 ; Itokawa et al , 1993 ; Schnell et al , 1999 ; Myeong et al , 2000 ; Xu et al , 2010 , 2011a , b , c ). Despite identifying DRD2 biological functions in mammals and other animals, its biological functions in pigeon are still unclear.…”

The role of microRNAs in the pathogenesis of pituitary tumors

“…The miRNAs in POMC neurons are also crucial in pituitary dysfunction and neurodegeneration (10). Thus, miRNAs, including their corresponding target sites, participate in both normal functions and dysfunctions of the pituitary gland (11,12 (14), further demonstrating that miRNAs may play a key role in pituitary tumorigenesis.…”