New mutations in growth hormone and receptor genes from Chinese Wuzhishan miniature pig

Abstract Growth hormone (GH) and receptor genes (GHR) from Chinese Wuzhishan miniature pig (WZSP) were cloned to pGEM-T vector through RT-PCR, which was based on the total RNA obtained from WZSP's pituitary and liver tissues. The results of sequencing showed that the open reading frame of GH gene for WZSP contained 217 amino acids including the signal peptide of 26 amino acids and the coding sequence of GHR gene for WZSP contained 639 amino acids including the signal peptide of 18 amino acids. Two substitutions of amino acids found in the signal peptide of GH gene may affect the transport of GH. Five mutations found in the cytoplasmic domain of GHR may possibly influence GHR signal downstream transduction.