Cloning, expression pattern, chromosomal localization, and evolution analysis of Porcine gnaq, gna11, and gna14

The Gq class is one subfamily of the G protein alpha subunits multigene family. It comprises four genes: Gnaq, Gna11, Gna14, and Gna15. In mice and humans, the alpha subunit is an essential component of G protein interaction with receptors and effectors. We report here the cloning and characterization of porcine Gnaq, Gna11, and Gna14. We have cloned the full-length coding sequences of porcine Gnaq, Gna11, and Gna14 (1,080, 1,080, and 1,068 bp, respectively) and then mapped them chromosomally to regions 1q21-27, 2q21-24, and 1q21-27 by radiation hybrid mapping. Tissue distribution analysis indicated that Gnaq and Gna11 were coexpressed in liver, heart, muscle, spleen, adipose tissue, brain, and uterus, but Gna14 mRNA was detected only in kidney and lung. The phylogenetic trees reveal that porcine Gnaq, Gna11, and Gna14 are evolutionarily closer to their human homologs. This is the first report of molecular cloning and characterization of porcine Gnaq, Gna11, and Gna14, which will be helpful for further understanding of the physiological role of Gq class genes in pigs.