Characteristics of structure and expression pattern of ADSF/resistin gene in Korean Native Cattle

Adipocyte-specific secretory factor (ADSF)/resistin, a hormone, is a small cysteine-rich protein secreted from adipose tissue and has been implicated in modulating adipogenesis in humans and rodents. The objective of this study was to clone a gene encoding ADSF/resistin and to characterize its function in Korean Native Cattle (Hanwoo). The coding sequence was 330 base pairs and it encoded a protein of 109 amino acids. An NCBI BLAST-search revealed the cloned cDNA fragment shared significant homology (82%) with the cDNA encoding the human ADSF/resistin. The nucleotide sequence homology of the Hanwoo sequence was 73% and 64% for the rat and mouse, respectively. A 654 bp ADSF/resistin gene promoter was cloned and putative binding sites of transcription factors were identified. Tissue distribution of ADSF mRNA was examined in liver, skeletal muscles (tenderloin, biceps femoris). subcutaneous fat, and perirenal fat by RT-PCR. ADSF mRNAs were detected in fat tissues but not in liver and muscles, suggesting that ADSF/resistin expression may be induced during adipogenesis. Although, the physiological function of ADSF/resistin in the cow remains to be determined, these data indicate ADSF is related to the adipocyte phenotype and may have a possibly regulatory role in adipocyte function.