Gene family expansion and functional diversification of chitinase and chitin synthase genes in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar).

ABSTRACT: Chitin is one of the most abundant polysaccharides in nature, forming important structures in insects, crustaceans, and fungal cell walls. Vertebrates on the other hand are generally considered "nonchitinous" organisms, despite having highly conserved chitin metabolism-associated genes. Recent work has revealed that the largest group of vertebrates, the teleosts, have the potential to both synthesize and degrade endogenous chitin. Yet, little is known about the genes and proteins responsible for these dynamic processes. Here, we used comparative genomics, transcriptomics, and chromatin accessibility data to characterize the repertoire, evolution, and regulation of genes involved in chitin metabolism in teleosts, with a particular focus on Atlantic salmon. Reconstruction of gene family phyl

SUBMITTER: Holen MM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10234404 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature