GATA transcription factors in bivalves: Genomic diversity, evolutionary conservation, and roles in environmental...

The GATA transcription factors, characterized by conserved zinc-finger domains, play crucial roles in regulating gene expression during development and environmental adaptation in animals. However, their evolutionary patterns and functional characteristics in bivalves remain poorly understood. In this study, we identified 118 GATA genes across 32 bivalve species uncovering the conservation and diversity of this gene family during evolution. Phylogenetic analysis classified these bivalve GATA genes into five distinct clades, reflecting both conserved patterns and adaptive diversification across different taxa. Functional predictions suggested their potential involvement in growth regulation, developmental processes, and immune responses. Tissue-specific expression profiling in Chlamys nobilis revealed that these CnGATAs have potential roles in hemocyte formation and immune regulation. Expression analysis following exposure to low-temperature stress and Vibrio parahaemolyticus challenge showed significant upregulation of CnGATA1 and CnGATA5 under low-temperature stress, while CnGATA2 and CnGATA3 exhibited pronounced responses to Vibrio exposure. These findings indicate the pleiotropic roles of the GATA gene family in bivalve responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. This study provides a theoretical foundation for understanding the diverse functions of GATA genes in the evolution, development, and environmental adaptation of bivalves and lays the groundwork for investigating their stress resistance mechanisms.