Identification of cDNA coding for a homologue to mammalian leptin from pufferfish, Takifugu rubripes

We identified cDNA coding for a homologue to mammalian leptin in puffer, Takifugu rubripes, using genomic synteny around the human leptin gene. In addition to significant sequence homologies, the puffer leptin (pLEP) displays characteristic structural features in common with mammalian leptin. The pLEP mRNA was expressed mostly in the liver that contained abundant lipids. In addition, homologues to pLEP were found in the databanks for three fish species (salmon, medaka, and Tetraodon) and two amphibians (salamander and Xenopus). The phylogenetic analysis shows rapid rates of molecular divergence among leptins from different vertebrate classes, but not between mammals and avians.