Porcine erythropoietin receptor: molecular cloning and expression in embryonic and fetal liver.

The full coding sequence for porcine erythropoietin receptor (EPOR) was elucidated using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (rtPCR) and 3' and 5' rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) procedures. Total RNA collected from Day 30 fetal liver was used as starting material. A 1843 bp sequence was obtained from which could be inferred a 509 amino acid protein which was 79-85% identical to the amino acid sequence of erythropoietin receptor from other species. Total RNA samples collected from white crossbred intact, white crossbred UHO and Meishan gilts on Days 24, 30 and 40 of gestation were subjected to Northern blotting using porcine EPOR cDNA as probe. Results indicated that (1) a major and two minor forms of mRNA are present, (2) fetal liver mRNA concentrations for EPOR are low on Day 24 of gestation and increase dramatically by Day 30 and (3) mRNA concentrations for EPOR tended to be decreased by intrauterine crowding.