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Gene Expression of the GIP and GLP‐1 Receptors in the Horse
Author(s) -
Kheder Murad H.,
Dudley Kevin,
Sillence Martin N.,
Laat Melody A.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.31.1_supplement.888.3
Subject(s) - laminitis , biology , medicine , pancreas , endocrinology , receptor , complementary dna , gastric inhibitory polypeptide , gene , insulin , horse , glucagon , genetics , paleontology
The Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1R) and gastric insulinotropic polypeptide (GIPR) receptors are members of the secretin family of G‐protein coupled receptors that regulate insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells. Both receptors are well studied in rodents and humans, but there are limited data available for horses. In horses, GIP and GLP‐1 contribute to hyperinsulinaemia, which causes a painful foot disease called laminitis. Aim This study aimed to determine whether the GIPR and GLP‐1R genes are expressed in equine tissues. Methods Archived tissue samples (pancreas, skeletal muscle, heart, liver, kidney, digital lamellae (which is the organ affected by laminitis), tongue and small intestine) from healthy horses were subject to mRNA extraction and cDNA synthesis prior to primers design and PCR. Sequencing of the PCR product was undertaken to confirm amplification of the target gene. Results Both the GIPR and GLP‐1R were expressed in the pancreas as expected, and this tissue was used as a positive control for tissue distribution studies. The GIPR was expressed in the heart, liver, kidney and small intestine. The GLP‐1R gene was expressed in all tissues except the tongue and small intestine. Sequence identity to the Equus caballus mRNA sequence available from GenBank was 98% for GIPR and 100% for GLP‐1R. Discussion These data indicate that GIPR and GLP‐Rs may be potential therapeutic targets for the treatment/prevention of hyperinsulinaemia and laminitis in horses. The expression of both receptors in tissues other than the pancreas suggests that they may have other physiological functions and this requires investigation. Support or Funding Information Australian Research Council (ARC)