Molecular cloning and expression of the turkey leptin receptor gene

A cDNA encoding the long form of the turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) leptin receptor (LEPR) was cloned and sequenced. Turkey LEPR showed greater than 90% sequence identity at both the nucleotide and amino acid level with chicken LEPR. The LEPR gene (long form) encodes a protein of 1147 amino acids that has features similar to other LEPRs including: a signal peptide, a single transmembrane domain, and specific conserved motifs defining putative leptin-binding and signal transduction regions of the protein. In addition, a LEPR gene-related protein (LEPR-GRP) mRNA transcript was also identified and a portion of the corresponding cDNA containing the complete coding region was sequenced. The turkey LEPR-GRP gene encodes a 14-kDa (131 amino acids) protein that is distinct from LEPR. LEPR gene expression was quantified relative to beta-actin in total RNA samples isolated from various tissues of 3-week-old turkey poults. Expression of LEPR was highest in brain, spleen and lung tissue with lower levels of expression in kidney, pancreas, duodenum, liver, fat and breast muscle. In developing turkey embryos, expression of LEPR was highest in brain tissue throughout incubation (days 14-28). Expression of LEPR in embryonic liver tissue peaked at day 16 and then declined toward hatching (day 28). Yolk sac expression of LEPR declined from day 14 to day 20 and then increased toward hatching. Our findings clearly demonstrate the expression of LEPR and LEPR-GRP in different tissues during embryonic and post-hatch development. In conclusion, this is the first report to identify and characterize LEPR and LEPR-GRP gene homologues in the domestic turkey.