Genome-wide characterization of integrin (ITG) gene family and their expression profiling in half-smooth tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis) upon Vibrio anguillarum infection

Integrins (ITGs) are transmembrane heterodimer receptors with ITG & alpha; subunit and ITG & beta; subunit, participating in various physiological processes, including immunity. At present, systematic research on ITGs in teleost is scarce, especially in half-smooth tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis). In this study, a set of 28 ITG genes in half-smooth tongue sole have been identified and characterized. The phylogenetic analysis showed that ITG & alpha; and ITG & beta; subunits were respectively classified into five and two clusters, consistent with previous studies. The selection pressure analysis indicated that most of ITG genes were under purifying selection, except for ITG & alpha;11b and ITG & alpha;L with positive selection. The expression profiles of eight selected ITG genes, including ITG & alpha;1, ITG & alpha;5, ITG & alpha;8, ITG & alpha;11, ITG & beta;1, ITG & beta;2, ITG & beta;3, and ITG & beta;8, were analyzed in healthy tissues and after infection with Vibrio anguillarum, revealed their implications in immune response. The study provided a comprehensive characterization and expression analysis of ITG genes in half-smooth tongue sole, setting a solid foundation for further functional studies and promising potential in disease control.

Automated summary

The study identified and characterized a set of 28 ITG genes in half-smooth tongue sole, most of which are involved in immune function. The selection pressure analysis showed that these ITG genes were under purifying selection, with the exception of ITG alpha11b and ITG alphaL. Expression analysis of eight selected ITG genes in healthy tissues and after bacterial infection revealed their significant role in immune response.