Transforming growth factor-beta gene family in Labeo rohita: Genome-wide molecular characterization and phylogenetic relationship with other vertebrates

Recent advancements in animal genetics, biotechnology, and bioinformatics can potentially contribute to the required improvement in fish production and quality. Current study explored for the first-time, various genes from Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) gene family which could play vital role in growth and development of Labeo rohita, an economically important freshwater fish. A number of tools and analysis like characterizing the selected genes, multiple alignment and clade-wise phylogeny, dual Synteny analysis and chromosomal distribution, characterization of proteins, secondary structure and 3D models of proteins, PROSITE scan analysis, and transcription factor binding sites (TFBSs) of selected genes were performed to explore the relationship between selected genes from Labeo rohita and referenced species (Homo sapiens, Danio rerio, Oreochromis niloticus, Chelonia mydas, and Parus major). The study evaluated 27 genes from TGF-β gene family. The results suggested that physicochemical characteristics of studied genes exhibit a basic nature with the few exceptions. Two main clades (BPM like and GDF like) were obtained by the phylogenetic analysis across six vertebrate species. Homogeneity was observed in the gene structure for all selected genes of TGF-β gene superfamily. TGF-β family and TGF-β propeptide family were dominant in domain regions of studied genes. Gene structure comparisons suggested that the TGF-β gene superfamily has arisen by gene duplications events. The study identified five pairs of duplicated gene (segmental duplications) with the Ka/Ks < 1, indicating the negative selection pressure of these genes. The length of selected TFBSs (GATA, HOXD, STAT, HNF-1A, and YY1) ranged from 5 to 9 bp, with the HOXD having maximum bp. This study explored the molecular characterization for TGF-β gene family and related proteins in L. rohita and will potentially serve as basis of development of novel strategies in improvement of fish culture.