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

Funct Integr Genomics. 2015 Sep;15(5):511-22. doi: 10.1007/s10142-015-0440-5. Epub 2015 Apr 17.

Abstract

The forkhead box (Fox) transcription factor family has a characteristic of forkhead domain, a winged DNA-binding domain. The Fox genes have been classified into 23 subfamilies, designated FoxA to FoxS, of which the FoxR and FoxS subfamilies are specific to vertebrates. In this review, using whole-genome scanning, we identified 17 distinct Fox genes distributed on 13 chromosomes of the silkworm, Bombyx mori. A phylogenetic tree showed that the silkworm Fox genes could be classified into 13 subfamilies. The FoxK subfamily is specifically absent from the silkworm, although it is present in other lepidopteran insects, including Danaus plexippus and Heliconius melpomene. Microarray data revealed that the Fox genes have distinct expression patterns in the tissues on day 3 of the 5th instar larva. A Gene Ontology analysis suggested that the Fox genes have roles in cellular components, molecular functions, and biological processes, except in pore complex biogenesis. An analysis of the selective pressure on the proteins indicated that most of the amino acid sites in the Fox proteins are undergoing strong purifying selection. Here, we summarize the general characteristics of the Fox genes in the silkworm, which should support further functional studies of the silkworm Fox proteins.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Bombyx / genetics*
  • Chromosome Mapping
  • Chromosomes, Insect / genetics
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors / genetics*
  • Gene Expression
  • Gene Ontology
  • Genome, Insect
  • Humans
  • Insect Proteins / genetics*
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Phylogeny
  • Selection, Genetic

Substances

  • Forkhead Transcription Factors
  • Insect Proteins