PCR-cloning of tilapia ATP7A cDNA and its mRNA levels in tissues of tilapia following copper administrations

► A cDNA encoding for tilapia ATP7A has been obtained. ► The obtained tilapia ATP7A cDNA is a full-length with 5′, 3′ untranslated regions and the entire encoding region. ► The tilapia ATP7A gene was found to be induced in the liver, with higher induction levels as found in zebrafish. ► Conclusion: copper transporters in fish are similar to human and play important roles in copper homeostasis.