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Genome-wide identification and characterization of myosin genes in the silkworm, Bombyx mori

Duan Tan1, Hai Hu1, Xiaoling Tong1

  • 1State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.

Gene
|January 7, 2019
PubMed

Insights

This study identified 16 myosin genes in Bombyx mori, revealing evolutionary insights and tissue-specific expression patterns. These findings enhance understanding of myosin gene functions in insects and their evolutionary relationships.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Genomics

Background:

  • Myosins are essential actin-based motor proteins involved in diverse cellular processes.
  • While myosin functions are well-characterized in vertebrates and some insects, the myosin gene family in Bombyx mori remains understudied.
  • Understanding myosin gene diversity and function is crucial for comprehending cellular mechanics and evolution.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and classify myosin genes in Bombyx mori.
  • To compare the myosin gene repertoire of B. mori with other species across different taxa.
  • To investigate the evolutionary conservation and expression patterns of B. mori myosin genes.

Main Methods:

  • Bioinformatic identification of myosin genes in B. mori and comparative analysis with 12 vertebrates, 8 insects, 3 nematodes, and 7 protozoa.
  • Phylogenetic classification of identified myosin genes into distinct classes.
  • Reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) to analyze gene expression.

Main Results:

  • Identified 16 myosin genes in B. mori, classified into 11 classes.
  • Vertebrates possess double the number of myosin genes compared to invertebrates, with more isoforms in classes I and II.
  • Classes I, II, XVIII, and XXI are conserved across nine insect species, suggesting importance for insect survival. B. mori myosin genes are larger due to longer introns.
  • RT-PCR and qRT-PCR revealed tissue-specific expression and temporal activity during metamorphosis for many B. mori myosin genes.

Conclusions:

  • The study provides a comprehensive catalog of myosin genes in B. mori, offering insights into their evolutionary history.
  • Conserved myosin classes highlight key genes for insect survival and function.
  • Tissue-specific and temporal expression patterns underscore the dynamic roles of myosins in B. mori development, particularly during metamorphosis.
  • Findings facilitate comparative studies of homologous myosins in other Lepidoptera species.
Keywords:
Bombyx moriExpression profilesMyosinPhylogenetic analysisUnconventional myosin

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