cDNA cloning of putative rat acetyl-CoA transporter and its expression pattern in brain

Rat acetyl-CoA transporter gene (Acatn) encodes a hydrophobic multi-transme mbrane protein involved in the O-acetylation of gangliosides. O-acetylated gangliosides have been found to play important roles in the embryonic devel opment of the nervous system. We have isolated rat Acatn cDNA by PCR clonin g. The amino acid sequence of rat Acatn exhibited 92% and 96% homology with human and mouse sequences, respectively. The mRNA was expressed in brain a t all developmental stages. Acatn expression was higher in embryonic and po stnatal rats than in adult rats. Cellular localization of Acatn mRNA in adu lt rat brain was also analyzed by in situ hybridization, Acatn mRNA express ion was detected in the neuronal cells of cerebellum, hippocampus, hypothal amus, cortex, olfactory bulb, and dorsal and ventral anterior olfactory nuc leus in adult rat brain. Copyright (C) 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel.