5. Conclusion
In conclusion, we cloned and characterized the coding sequence ot the Slc7a11 gene in alpacas and found its significantly high expression both at mRNA and protein levels in brown alpaca skin as compared to white ones. Our results provide new evidence supporting an important role of Slc7a11 in coat color formation. Future studies to illustrate the particular function of Slc7a11 would help us better understand the regulatory contribution of Slc7a11 in melanogenesis.Supplementary data to this article can be found online at http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.gene.2014.10.029