Molecular characterization and expression profiles of transcription factor Sox gene family in Culter alburnus

Gene Expr Patterns. 2020 Jun:36:119112. doi: 10.1016/j.gep.2020.119112. Epub 2020 Apr 4.

Abstract

Sox protein family is characterized by the presence of the conserved high-mobility group (HMG) box. Sox transcription factors are involved in diverse developmental process in animals, including sex-determination, organogenesis, embryogenesis, neurogenesis, and cell fate decision. In this study, 23 Sox genes were identified based on the Culter alburnus whole-genome sequence and categorized into six subfamilies according to the conserved HMG-box domain. The duplicates of four members revealed that Sox genes in the teleost fishes underwent significant expansion. Moreover, their expression pattern in gonad tissues were analyzed by RNA-seq and qRT-PCR, and Sox9b was determined as a key gene that was essential for testis development. This current study will provide new insight into the role of Sox gene family in fish sex determination and differentiation.

Keywords: Culter alburnus; Expression profile; Gonadal development; Sox gene family.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Cyprinidae / genetics*
  • Cyprinidae / metabolism*
  • Embryonic Development
  • Fish Proteins / genetics
  • Fish Proteins / metabolism
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
  • Genome-Wide Association Study
  • HMG-Box Domains / genetics*
  • RNA-Seq
  • SOX Transcription Factors / genetics*
  • SOX Transcription Factors / metabolism*
  • Sex Determination Processes
  • Transcriptome
  • Whole Genome Sequencing

Substances

  • Fish Proteins
  • SOX Transcription Factors