The repertoire of the elongation of very long-chain fatty acids (Elovl) protein family is conserved in tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum): Gene expression profiles offer insights into the sexual differentiation process

Abstract

Elongation of very long-chain fatty acids (Elovl) proteins are critical players in the regulation of the length of a fatty acid. At present, eight members of the Elovl family (Elovl1-8), displaying a characteristic fatty acid substrate specificity, have been identified in vertebrates, including teleost fish. In general, Elovl1, Elovl3, Elovl6 and Elovl7 exhibit a substrate preference for saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, while Elovl2, Elovl4, Elovl5 and Elovl8 use polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) as substrates. PUFA elongases have received considerable attention in aquatic animals due to their involvement in the conversion of C₁₈ PUFAs to long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA). Here, we identified the full repertoire of elovl genes in the tambaqui Colossoma macropomum genome. A detailed phylogenetic and synteny analysis suggests a conservation of these genes among teleosts. Furthermore, based on RNAseq gene expression data, we discovered a gender bias expression of elovl genes during sex differentiation of tambaqui, toward future males. Our findings suggest a role of Elovl enzymes and fatty acid metabolism in tambaqui sexual differentiation.