Expression and sequence of CYP1A1 in the camel.

In this study, we determined a partial sequence of CYP1A1 in the camel and its phylogenetic position. The deduced amino acid sequence of camel CYP1A1 showed the highest identity 94% with those of sheep and cattle CYP1A1. In a phylogenetic analysis, the camel CYP1A1 isoform was located beside sheep and cattle CYP1A1. When we studied the distribution of camel CYP1A1 mRNA in different tissues, we found that this isoform was expressed in all tissues except the hump. Interestingly, the lungs of all the camels and tongues of two of the three animals showed high expressions of CYP1A1 mRNA, and this may indicate exposure to ligands of aryl hydrocarbon receptor such as environmental pollutants or flavonoids.