Genomic organization and genetic mapping of the bovine PREF-1 gene

As a potential regulator of nutrient partitioning in beef cattle, we have c loned and genetically mapped the bovine PREF-1 gene. A full-length PREP-1 c DNA was isolated by iterative purification from a mixed-tissue cDNA library to which adipose contributed mRNA. Analysis of partial cDNAs from this lib rary revealed that the 3'-terminal exon of the bovine PREF-1 mRNA is splice d in a manner analogous to its murine ortholog. However, we have also detec ted a PREF-1 splice form apparently unique to cattle. Aside from this alter native selection of a splice donor in the bovine fifth exon, the exon/intro n junctions of the bovine PREF-1 gene recapitulate those observed for mice. The sequences proximal to the bovine PREF-1 transcription start site are h omologous to the mouse PREF-1 promoter. Importantly, the sequence experimen tally identified as critical to PREF-1 "suppression in adipocyte differenti ation" is conserved in the bovine gene. The bovine PREF-1 gene was mapped t o the telomeric end of BTA 21 by virtue of a physically linked microsatelli te with seven alleles and 285 informative meiosis. (C) 1999 Academic Press.