Identification and isolation of a BTB-POZ-containing gene expressed in oocytes and early embryos of the zebrafish Danio rerio.

In this report, we describe the cloning of a cDNA from the zebrafish Danio rerio encoding a protein containing a BTB-POZ domain closely resembling the BTBD1 and BTBD2 proteins previously identified in mammals. However, unlike other BTB-POZ-containing genes, expression of this gene in adults is most abundant in oocytes, where the RNA can be detected at all stages of oogenesis examined. The presence of the RNA persists through early cleavage, but is decreased significantly by gastrulation. Although the function of this gene has yet to be determined, its resemblance to the BTB-POZ family of genes coupled with its expression pattern suggests that it may have an important function in oogenesis and (or) early zebrafish development.