Evolution of the insect desaturase gene family with an emphasis on social Hymenoptera.

ABSTRACT: Desaturase genes are essential for biological processes, including lipid metabolism, cell signaling, and membrane fluidity regulation. Insect desaturases are particularly interesting for their role in chemical communication, and potential contribution to speciation, symbioses, and sociality. Here, we describe the acyl-CoA desaturase gene families of 15 insects, with a focus on social Hymenoptera. Phylogenetic reconstruction revealed that the insect desaturases represent an ancient gene family characterized by eight subfamilies that differ strongly in their degree of conservation and frequency of gene gain and loss. Analyses of genomic organization showed that five of these subfamilies are represented in a highly microsyntenic region conserved across holometabolous insect taxa, indicating a

SUBMITTER: Helmkampf M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4298175 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature