Obtaining ZIP4 cDNA and expression of ZIP4 mRNA in mice

  Objective   To obtain the fragment of 2RT, IRT-like protein 4(ZIP4)cDNA and to comprehend the level of ZIP4 mRNA expression in various tissues.

  Methods   The fragment was obtained by RT-PCR and was sequenced.The expression of ZIP4 mRNA was also examined by RT-PCR and was compared with β-actin that served as the control.

  Results   A proper single fragment of 475bp was obtained with the sequence conformable to the corresponding fragment sequence of reported ZIP4 cDNA.The ZIP4 mRNA was detected in liver, testis and small intestine, in which the highest expression was observed.However, the expression of ZIP4 mRNA was not detected in heart, spleen, cerebrum, lung and kidney.

  Conclusion   The highest expression of ZIP4 mRNA in small intestine suggests a physiological functional importance of ZIP4 in zinc absorytion.