Characterization of seven cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcripts (CARTs) differentially expressed in the brain and peripheral tissues of Solea senegalensis (Kaup)

•Sole exhibits the highest number of cart genes reported to date in a vertebrate.•cart genes show distinct patterns of expression in brain and peripheral tissues.•Only 3 (out of 7) cart genes were transcriptionally regulated by feeding.•Some evolutionary trends and functions appear conserved among vertebrate species.•Multiple genes in teleosts might have been retained through subfunctionalization.