Identification and evolution of transcription factors RHR gene family (NFAT and RBPJ) involving lamprey (Lethenteron reissneri) innate immunity

Nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) and recombination signal binding protein (RBP) belong to the family of Rel homology region (RHR) transcription factors which regulate the expression of genes involved in different aspects of the immune response. To gain insights into the evolution and characterisation of RHR genes in lampreys, a jawless vertebrate, four RHR genes, including nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) and recombination signal binding protein for immunoglobulin kappa J region (RBPJ), have been identified and cloned from the lamprey (Lethenteron reissneri) database. Evolutionary relationships of NFAT and RBPJ genes among different species were determined through molecular phylogenetic analysis. Motif, genetic structure, and tertiary structure analyses showed that NFATs and RBPJ are conserved and contain RHD and IPT domains. Moreover, synteny analysis showed that the neighbourhood genes of Lr-NFATs and Lr-RBPJ have undergone significant changes compared to jawed vertebrates. Real-time quantitative results demonstrated that the RHR gene family plays a significant role in immune defence. This study provides a new understanding of the origin and evolution of the RHR gene family in different species.

Automated summary

The study identified and cloned four RHR genes, including NFAT and RBPJ, in lampreys from molecular analysis, showing their conservation and importance in immune defense. The research also revealed the characteristics and differences of these genes in the evolution of jawless vertebrates.