Genetic linkage mapping of the porcine Cocaine- and Amphetamine-Regulated Transcript (CART) gene

The pig CART (cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript) gene and association of its microsatellite polymorphism with production traits

The cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) gene is a candidate gene that may affect performance and body composition traits in the pig. The purpose of this study was to establish the chromosomal localization and genomic sequence of the porcine CART gene, search for polymorphism and analyse its phenotypic effect in 644 pigs representing two breeds, Polish Large White (PLW) and Polish Landrace (PL), and a synthetic line 990 (L990). The CART gene was fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH)-mapped to the chromosome 16q21. The 1878 bp DNA fragment covering three exons, two introns and the 5' flanking region was sequenced and analysed. A new A/G single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) at position -238 bp was found. The coding sequence was conserved between porcine and human CART genes. Previously unknown short tandem repeat polymorphism (CA)(2)(CG)(n)(CA)(n) was identified in intron 2. Three alleles 251, 253 and 259 bp were found. The 251-bp allele was predominant in all the analysed populations of pigs, whereas the 253-bp allele occurred with the lowest frequency. The statistical analysis revealed significant allelic additive effects on meat content in carcass (p < 0.05) and abdominal fat weight (p < 0.01) in PLW, and meat content in carcass (p < 0.05) and backfat thickness (p < 0.05) in PL. Our study confirmed that chromosome region harbouring the CART gene is a promising quantitative trait loci for pig production traits.

CART peptides: regulators of body weight, reward and other functions

Over the past decade or so, CART (cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript) peptides have emerged as major neurotransmitters and hormones. CART peptides are widely distributed in the CNS and are involved in regulating many processes, including food intake and the maintenance of body weight, reward and endocrine functions. Recent studies have produced a wealth of information about the location, regulation, processing and functions of CART peptides, but additional studies aimed at elucidating the physiological effects of the peptides and at characterizing the CART receptor(s) are needed to take advantage of possible therapeutic applications.