5. Conclusion
In conclusion, we cloned and characterized the coding sequence of
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