Genome-wide characterization of integrin (ITG) gene family and their expression profiling in half-smooth tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis) upon Vibrio anguillarum infection.

Integrins (ITGs) are transmembrane heterodimer receptors with ITGα subunit and ITGβ subunit, participating in various physiological processes, including immunity. At present, systematic research on ITGs in teleost is scarce, especially in half-smooth tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis). In this study, a set of 28 ITG genes in half-smooth tongue sole have been identified and characterized. The phylogenetic analysis showed that ITGα and ITGβ subunits were respectively classified into five and two clusters, consistent with previous studies. The selection pressure analysis indicated that most of ITG genes were under purifying selection, except for ITGα11b and ITGαL with positive selection. The expression profiles of eight selected ITG genes, including ITGα1, ITGα5, ITGα8, ITGα11, ITGβ1, ITGβ2, ITGβ3, and ITGβ8, were analyzed in healthy tissues and after infection with Vibrio anguillarum, revealed their implications in immune response. The study provided a comprehensive characterization and expression analysis of ITG genes in half-smooth tongue sole, setting a solid foundation for further functional studies and promising potential in disease control.