ToIκB and ToIKK genes from golden pompano (Trachinotus ovatus): Molecular characterization, expression, and association with tolerance to Streptococcus agalactiae infection

Abstract

Effective disease management is crucial for sustainable aquaculture, particularly for economically important species like golden pompano (Trachinotus ovatus). Streptococcus agalactiae represents a major threat to this species, leading to severe health issues and significant economic losses. Understanding the immune mechanisms involved is essential to address this challenge. The IκB and IKK genes are known to be key regulators of immune responses, playing pivotal roles in modulating inflammatory pathways during infections. However, their specific roles in golden pompano immunity are not well characterized. In this study, we used bioinformatics analysis and tissue-specific expression profiling to investigate the roles of IκB and IKK genes in golden pompano during bacterial infection. The results demonstrated that ToIKK was significantly upregulated during the early stages of infection, indicating rapid immune activation, while ToIκB showed an initial decrease followed by recovery, suggesting its involvement in inflammation modulation. These genes were found to regulate the NF-κB signaling pathway, which is crucial for coordinating the immune response to bacterial infection. This research provides valuable insights into the molecular basis of golden pompano immune response against S. agalactiae, offering a foundation for developing targeted anti-infection strategies and improving disease resistance and health management practices in aquaculture.