Molecular cloning and sequence analysis of Spot 14 alpha in geese

1. Spot 14 alpha acts as a transcription factor involved in the regulation of adipogenic enzymes via three thyroid response elements in its promoter region. The objective of the current research was to clone and sequence the Spot 14 alpha gene in geese. 2. We cloned the cDNA sequence of goose Spot 14 alpha. The gene was predicted to encode a peptide of 128 amino acids, which has sequence identities of 87% cDNA and 84% amino acids, with the duck counterparts. High percentages of G and C nucleotides were found in exon and 3' untranslated region of the goose Spot 14 alpha cDNA. 3. A novel frameshift mutation that leads to a damaged leucine zipper motif was observed at nucleotide position 399-400. This can influence the homodimerisation of Spot 14 alpha, probably resulting in dysfunction in the Spot 14 family in vivo. 4. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that goose and duck Spot 14 alpha form a monophyletic group. The Spot 14 alpha mRNA was highly expressed in the liver and adipose tissue of geese. The mRNA concentration and polymorphism of Spot 14 alpha in the lipogenic tissues of geese were related to the fatness trait.