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Genome-wide identification and comparative analysis of Dmrt genes in echinoderms
Quanchao Wang1,2, Tiangui Cao1, Yanxia Wang1
1Key Laboratory of Coastal Biology and Bioresource Utilization, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, 264003, China.
Scientific Reports
|May 11, 2023
Summary
This study identifies 43 Doublesex-mab3-related transcription factor (Dmrt) genes across 11 echinoderm species, revealing five distinct gene classes. These findings provide a foundational molecular understanding of Dmrt gene evolution in echinoderms.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Genomics
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Dmrt (Doublesex-mab3-related transcription factor) genes are vital for development, particularly sex determination.
- Echinoderms are key models for studying development, but their Dmrt gene repertoire is uncharacterized.
- Genome-wide analysis of Dmrt genes in echinoderms is lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and analyze Dmrt genes in 11 representative echinoderm species.
- To understand the evolutionary relationships and diversification of Dmrt genes in echinoderms.
- To investigate the evolutionary pressures acting on echinoderm Dmrt genes.
Main Methods:
- Bioinformatic methods were employed for gene identification and analysis.
- Phylogenetic analysis was used to classify the identified Dmrt genes.
- Selective pressure assessments were conducted.
Main Results:
- A total of 43 Dmrt genes were identified, with species possessing 2 to 5 genes.
- Echinoderm Dmrt genes were classified into five distinct classes: Dmrt2-like, Dmrt3-like, Dmrt4/5-like, Dsx-like, and a novel starfish-specific class.
- Analysis indicated that echinoderm Dmrt genes are primarily under purifying selection.
Conclusions:
- This study presents the first genome-wide characterization of Dmrt genes in echinoderms.
- The findings establish a molecular framework for echinoderm Dmrt genes.
- This research serves as a valuable reference for future echinoderm phylogenomics and developmental studies.
