Localization, cDNA sequence and genomic organization of the rat seipin gene (Bscl2) and sequence analysis in inbred rat models of Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Mutations in the gene encoding seipin cause Berardinelli-Seip congenital lipodystrophy 2, with symptoms including near-absence of adipose tissue and altered glucose tolerance. Radiation hybrid analysis localized the seipin gene (Bscl2) in rat to a major quantitative trait locus in rat chromosome 1 linked to glucose intolerance in the Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rat model of Type 2 diabetes. We determined the genomic organization of Bscl2 and screened coding exons and flanking intron sequences for mutations in GK, Wistar and Brown Norway rats, as well as in the Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) diabetic rat. Two silent single nucleotide polymorphisms that were identified also were found in non-diabetic rat strains. We conclude that mutations in the gene for seipin are unlikely to contribute to diabetes in GK and OLETF rats.