Cloning and unusual expression profile of the aldolase B gene from Atlantic salmon

A full-length clone of the aldolase B gene has been isolated from a cDNA library constructed from liver of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). Sequencing showed that the clone encodes a typical aldolase B, possessing a number of amino acid residues which are seen in aldolase B, but not in other aldolase isoforms. RT-PCR analysis showed that the gene is expressed in liver, kidney and intestine as expected. However, in contrast to mammalian and avian aldolase B, expression was also found in a number of other tissues. Levels of aldolase B mRNA in liver and kidney were not significantly altered during smoltification, the transformation of freshwater-dwelling salmon (parr) into saltwater-adapted salmon (smolts).