Comprehensive investigation of the IKKα gene and TBK1 gene's identification, molecular evolution, and expression...

The inhibitor of kappa B kinase (IKK) complex, a key regulator of the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway, plays a pivotal role in immune function. This study identified two homologous genes, Lr-IKK alpha (Lr-IKKα) and Lr-TANK-binding kinase 1 (Lr-TBK1), from the Lethenteron reissneri genome database. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the evolutionary relationships of the IKK family across species. Further examination of motifs, domains, gene structures, and 3D structures confirmed the conservation of Lr-IKKα and Lr-TBK1. In vitro assays suggest that both proteins may be involved in lamprey NF-κB-mediated innate immunity. Luciferase assays demonstrated that Lr-IKKα significantly enhances NF-κB transcriptional activity. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments further indicated that Lr-IKKα may regulate the NF-κB signaling pathway through interaction with lamprey inhibitor of NF-κB molecules (Lr-IκB). Collectively, these findings provide novel insights into the evolutionary mechanisms of Lr-IKKα and Lr-TBK1, while offering critical evidence of their functional roles.