Molecular characteristics and expression profile of the Rheb gene in Rongchang piglets (Sus scrofa)

To give some insights into the genetic functions of Rheb signaling pathway in Rongchang piglets, this study reported the identification of complete coding sequence of the Rheb gene in Rongchang piglets and indicated that the complete coding region sequence is 555bp in length and encodes 184 amino acids, containing nearly all the conserved protein domains in the Rheb protein family. The deduced amino acid sequence identity between the Rongchang pig and sheep, cattle, or goat is 100%, 99% and 98%, respectively. Spatial transcriptional profile analysis indicated that the Rheb gene is expressed at remarkably high levels in both salivary gland and brain, especially in hypothalamus and ventral hippocampus (VH) regions of brain. Developmental expression profile analysis revealed the expression pattern is different between brain sub-regions and salivary gland of these two breeds of piglets, with the similar expression pattern despite various mRNA levels between Rongchang and Large White piglets.