Genomic and expression analysis of a solute carrier protein (CcSLC25a5) gene from Cyprinus carpio Linnaeus

Using the Genefishing method, we identified seven potential regulatory genes involved in the process of scale morphogenesis in fishes. We further characterized a novel solute carrier protein gene (CcSLC), from the common carp which is differentially expressed in mirror carp and Jianli. The ORF encodes a peptide of 298 amino acids with a molecular mass of 31.5 kDa and a theoretical isoelectric point of 7.49. ScanProsite analysis indicated that it is a putative solute carrier protein that contains a substrate binding site. CcSLC was detected in carp embryos by in situ hybridization in the 70%-epiboly, 6-somite, and 14-somite embryonic stages. Gene expression stopped at the long pec stage. However, CcSLC25a5 was re-expressed during the initiation of scale formation in the regions that were scale covered. These findings provide novel insights into the features of early carp embryo and scale development.