Genome-wide characterization of the TRP gene family and transcriptional expression profiles under different temperatures in gecko Hemiphyllodactylus yunnanensis

Abstract

Temperature is closely linked to the life history of organisms, and thus thermoception is an important sensory mechanism. Transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels are the key mediators of thermal sensation. In this study, we analyzed the sequence characteristics of TRPs in gecko Hemiphyllodactylus yunnanensis and compared the phylogenetic relationships of TRP family members among different Squamata species. In addition, we sequenced the transcriptome of skin and brain tissues of H. yunnanensis exposed to 12 °C (cold), 20 °C (cool), 28 °C (warm), and 36 °C (hot). The results showed that a total of 591 TRPs were identified in the genomes of 21 Squamate species, and these genes were classified into six subfamilies. Among them, 26 TRP genes were identified in H. yunnanensis and distributed on 13 chromosomes. Overall, TRP genes were conserved in squamates. Based on the transcriptome results, we found a total of 9 TRP genes expressed in the brain and skin of H. yunnanensis, of which six TRP genes were under positive selection. TRPP1L2, TRPP1L3, and TRPV1 were involved in heat-sensitive responses (> 36 °C), and TRPV3, TRPA1, and TRPM8 were involved in cold-sensitive responses (< 20 °C). TRPM8 and TRPP1L2 were important cold and heat sensors in H. yunnanensis, respectively.