The complete nucleotide sequence of the growth-hormone gene from the common carp (Cyprinus carpio)

We have isolated and sequenced a phage clone from a common carp (Cyprinus carpio) genomic library that carries a gene encoding growth hormone (GH). This gene consists of five exons and four introns spanning a region of about 3 kilobasepairs. Its exons correspond with one of two reported cDNAs of carp GH except for nine differences in the nucleotide sequence, while the encoded amino-acid sequences are identical. The sequence upstream from the transcription start point contains two tandem repeats of AACTCTCATG (from -85 to -62) and the typical TATA box. All the introns start with a consensus GT dinucleotide and end with AG. The arrangement of exons and introns is very similar to that seen in mammalian GH, but quite different from the GH genes of rainbow trout and Atlantic salmon.