Cloning and expression of prion protein encoding gene of flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus)

The prion protein (PrP) encoding gene of flounder ( Paralichthys olivaceus ) was cloned. It was not interrupted by an intron. This gene has two promoters in its 5′ upstream, indicating that its transcription may be intensive, and should have an important function. It was expressed in all 14 tissues tested, demonstrating that it is a house-keeping gene. Its expression in digestion and reproduction systems implies that the possible prions of fish may transfer horizontally.