AUTHOR=Chen Xiaomei , Hu Naina , Lian Shanshan , Li Luoan , Sun Fengzhi , Zhang Lingling , Wang Shi , Bao Zhenmin , Hu Jingjie 

TITLE=Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Profiling of the COMMD Gene Family in Four Bivalve Molluscs

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Marine Science

VOLUME=9

YEAR=2022

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/marine-science/articles/10.3389/fmars.2022.884991

DOI=10.3389/fmars.2022.884991

ISSN=2296-7745

ABSTRACT=<p>The <italic>COMMD</italic> (copper metabolism gene MuRR1 domain) gene family, highly conserved among multicellular eukaryotic organisms, plays important roles in a variety of biological processes, ranging from copper homeostasis, ionic transport, protein trafficking, NF-κB-mediated transcription, and cell proliferation. However, systematic identification, spatiotemporal expression, and stress-responsive patterns of <italic>COMMD</italic> genes remain obscure in molluscs. Here, we analyzed the characteristics of the <italic>COMMD</italic> gene family in four bivalve molluscs based on both genome and extensive transcriptomic resources. Firstly, we investigated the genomic signatures, functional domains, and phylogenetic relationships, and ten single-copy members were identified in Yesso scallop (<italic>Patinopecten yessoensis</italic>), Zhikong scallop (<italic>Chlamys farreri</italic>), Pacific oyster (<italic>Crassostrea gigas</italic>), and dwarf surf clam (<italic>Mulinia lateralis</italic>), respectively. Strong purifying selection was revealed for <italic>COMMD4</italic>. Higher expressions of most <italic>COMMD</italic>s were observed in the hepatopancreas, besides which a different tissue preference of <italic>COMMD</italic>s’ expression was found among four bivalves. Moreover, in the dwarf surf clam, the responses of <italic>COMMD</italic> members under stresses were found more sensitive in the hepatopancreas than in the gill, and <italic>MlCOMMD9</italic> and <italic>MlCOMMD4</italic> might be the good candidate stress indicator genes respectively for copper ion stress and <italic>V. Anguillarum</italic> infection. Our study would contribute to a better understanding for the evolution of the <italic>COMMD</italic> gene family and provide valuable information for their innate immune roles in bivalve molluscs.</p>