Genome-wide identification, characterization, molecular evolution and expression profiling analysis of COMMD gene...

The Copper Metabolism gene MURR1 Domain (COMMD) gene family is recognized as a highly conserved gene family in diverse species and involved in various important biological processes, including copper metabolism, NF-κB signaling and membrane transport. However, current research regarding the systematic identification of the COMMD gene family in teleosts and its role in the innate immunity of Sebastes schlegelii (S. schlegelii) remains limited. In this study, we identified and annotated 9 COMMD genes in S. schlegelii. Through phylogenetic analysis, analysis of gene structure, motif compositions, and molecular evolutionary patterns of the COMMD gene family, we found that COMMD gene maintains a highly conserved state in evolutionary process, and bears similar importance in metabolism of different species. Moreover, we analyzed the expression patterns of COMMD genes in macrophage and immune-relevant tissues of healthy S. schlegelii and those infected with Acinetobacter johnsonii by using qRT-PCR. The results revealed distinct tissue-specific expression profiles for COMMD genes, and their expression was significantly altered after A. johnsonii infection. We confirmed that SsCOMMD1 could up-regulate the activity of NF-κB pathway. This study elaborates COMMD genes of S. schlegelii, providing a valuable reference for future research on understanding of the functions of COMMD gene family in the innate immune response of teleosts.