Deletions in mRNA encoding the chicken leptin receptor gene binding domain

The leptin binding domain of the chicken leptin receptor gene was analyzed for alternative splicing. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers were designed to amplify exons 8–14 of the gene which is known to encode the leptin binding domain. Four cDNA products from reverse transcribed chicken anterior pituitary and basal hypothalamic RNA were generated. One encoded the predicted full length leptin binding domain while the other cDNAs were shorter as a consequence of different deletions in exon 9, and one had a further deletion in exon 10. Two of the deletions in exon 9 had the potential to disrupt the leptin binding domain. Genomic DNA analysis demonstrated that the alternative splicing sites with potential to generate these deletions occurred in the chicken genome. All four cDNAs were amplified from reverse transcribed RNA from basal hypothalami and anterior pituitary glands from four breeds of chicken, demonstrating that the nucleotide deletions were not breed specific. In conclusion, alternative spliced forms of the leptin binding domain in chicken leptin receptor mRNAs occur in the chicken neuroendocrine system with the potential to give rise to alternative transcripts which could modulate the biological action of the ligand for the chicken leptin receptor.