In silico identification and characterization of the MAPK family members of unicellular model eukaryote Tetrahymena thermophila.

摘要: The biological function and evolutionary diversity of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family have mostly been studied in fungi, animals plants, with very limited information from lower eukaryotes. This study aimed to describe MAPKs unicellular Tetrahymena thermophila. Eight members T. thermophila MAPK (TtMPK) gene family, addition previously reported TtMPK1, TtMPK2 TtMPK3, were identified bioinformatically using a genome database. Phylogenetic analysis assigned TtMPKs into two major groups, ERK1/2-like (TtMPK1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9) as stress-responsive for biotic abiotic stresses, ERK7/8-like (TtMPK4, 10, 11) cell-cycle-associated kinases factors. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR showed high mRNA expression at 30°C; however, only TtMPK5 TtMPK6 37°C. Osmotic shock by 100mM NaCl increased TtMPK2, whereas 20mM reduced all MPKs almost zero. results suggested that are among closest representatives ancestors eukaryotic family. Although no functional characterization was performed, this is first report genome-wide