Molecular characterization and expression patterns of emerin (EMD) gene in skeletal muscle between Meishan and Large White pigs

• We cloned and characterized the pig emerin (EMD) gene.
• Pig EMD gene was expressed at the highest level in the heart and fat.
• Pig EMD was a differentially expressed gene in skeletal muscle between pig breeds.
• Pig EMD displayed the sarcolemma and perinuclear distribution in skeletal muscle.

The emerin protein is a nuclear membrane protein and has important functions in muscle development, regeneration, and cell signal transduction. However, knowledge regarding emerin in the domestic animal is limited. In this study, we cloned and characterized the pig emerin (EMD) gene. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR analysis revealed that the EMD gene was expressed at the highest level in the heart and fat at 120 d. However, the fetal skeletal muscles displayed a greater abundance of EMD mRNA than that in skeletal muscles at postnatal development stages. In addition, the expression level of EMD at 60 day was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in Meishan than Large White pigs. Pig EMD protein displayed the sarcolemma and perinuclear distribution in skeletal muscle sections, and there was no distribution change of EMD in skeletal muscle sections between Large White and Meishan pigs. These studies provide useful information for further research on the functions of pig EMD gene in skeletal muscle.