Mapping and tissue mRNA expression analysis of the pig solute carrier 27A (SLC27A) multigene family

Solute-carrier family 27A molecules are integral transmembrane proteins that play a fundamental role in the uptake of long-chain fatty acids into mammalian cells. Our goal was to characterize this multigene family in pigs. Chromosomal location of the six porcine SLC27A genes was determined by radiation hybrid mapping and indicated that the six genes map to six different chromosomal locations. Moreover, we analyzed SLC27A mRNA expression in six pig tissues by quantitative RT-PCR. While SLC27A1, SLC27A3 and SLC27A4 were expressed in most, if not all, analyzed tissues, SLC27A2, SLC27A5 and SLC27A6 were predominantly expressed in the liver. In general, pig and human SLC27A mRNA expression profiles were remarkably concordant, although important differences were observed for SLC27A1 and SLC27A6 mRNAs. Discrepancies between mRNA expression profiles have been observed even in closely related primate species, and they might reflect the acquisition of regulatory changes promoting evolutionary adaptation.

► The six porcine SLC27A genes do not form a gene cluster.
► Pig SLC27A1, SLC27A3 and SLC27A4 genes are expressed in most analyzed tissues.
► Pig SLC27A2, SLC27A5 and SLC27A6 are predominantly expressed in the liver.
► Pig and human SLC27A expression is overall concordant except for SLC27A1 and SLC27A6.
► Functional and physiological reasons might explain these differences.