Genome-wide comparison of the protein-coding repertoire reveals fast evolution of immune-related genes in cephalochordates and Osteichthyes superclass

Amphioxus is used to investigate the origin and evolution of vertebrates. To better understand the characteristics of genome evolution from cephalochordates to Osteichthyes, we conducted a genome-wide pairwise comparison of protein-coding genes within amphioxus (a comparable group) and parallel analyses within Osteichthyes (two comparable groups). A batch of fast-evolving genes in each comparable group was identified. Of these genes, the most fast-evolving genes (top 20) were scrutinized, most of which were involved in immune system. An analysis of the fast-evolving genes showed that they were enriched into gene ontology (GO) terms and pathways primarily involved in immune-related functions. Similarly, this phenomenon was detected within Osteichthyes, and more well-known and abundant GO terms and pathways involving innate immunity were found in Osteichthyes than in cephalochordates. Next, we measured the expression responses of four genes belonging to metabolism or energy production-related pathways to lipopolysaccharide challenge in the muscle, intestine or skin of B. belcheri; three of these genes (HMGCL, CYBS and MDH2) showed innate immune responses. Additionally, some genes involved in adaptive immunity showed fast evolution in Osteichthyes, such as those involving “intestinal immune network for IgA production” or “T-cell receptor signaling pathway”. In this study, the fast evolution of immune-related genes in amphioxus and Osteichthyes was determined, providing insights into the evolution of immune-related genes in chordates.