Knowledge Bank

SVCT1 and SVCT2 are two forms of sodium dependent vitamin C transporters within the sheep corpus luteum. A truncated version of SVCT2 has been observed in the human, and is inhibitory to SVCT1 & 2. The full nucleotide sequences of these transporters are not known in the sheep, but partial sequences are available. The objectives of the current research were to determine the existence of a truncated form of SVCT2 in the sheep, and to sequence the 3’ ends of both transport proteins. Primer sets were designed to flank the predicted deleted sequence within SVCT2. RT-PCR and gel electrophoresis procedures were run. We found the expected (approximately 800 bp) amplicon, but no 400 bp amplicon, providing no evidence of a truncated form of SVCT2 in the sheep CL. Forward primers were designed based on the partial sequences of oSVCT1 & 2, and Oligo dT 3’ Primer was used as a reverse primer. We successfully identified an 1800 bp amplicon that potentially represents the 3’ end of oSVCT2. This research could be beneficial in improving our understanding of sheep reproduction.