Porcine erythropoietin receptor: molecular cloning and expression in embryonic and fetal liver

The full coding sequence for porcine erythropoietin receptor (EPOR) was elu cidated using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (rtPCR) and 3' and 5' rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) procedures. Total RN A collected from Day 30 fetal liver was used as starting material. A 1843 b p sequence was obtained from which could be inferred a 509 amino acid prote in which was 79-85% identical to the amino acid sequence of erythropoietin receptor from other species. Total RNA samples collected from white crossbr ed intact, white crossbred UHO and Meishan gilts on Days 24, 30 and 40 of g estation were subjected to Northern blotting using porcine EPOR cDNA as pro be. Results indicated that (1) a major and two minor forms of mRNA are pres ent, (2) fetal liver mRNA concentrations for EPOR are low on Day 24 of gest ation and increase dramatically by Day 30 and (3) mRNA concentrations for E POR tended to be decreased by intrauterine crowding. (C) 2000 Elsevier Scie nce Inc. All rights reserved.