Abstract
BackgroundThe basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors and their homologs form a superfamily that plays essential roles in transcriptional networks of multiple developmental processes. bHLH family members have been identified in over 20 organisms, including fruit fly, zebrafish, human and mouse.ResultIn this study, we conducted a genome-wide survey for bHLH sequences, and identified 57 bHLH sequences encoded in complete genome sequence of the ponerine ant, Harpegnathos saltator. Phylogenetic analysis of the bHLH domain sequences classified these genes into 38 bHLH families with 23, 14, 10, 1, 8 and 1 members in group A, B, C, D, E and F, respectively. The number of PabHLHs (ponerine ant bHLHs) with introns is higher than many other insect species, and they are found to have introns with average lengths only inferior to those of pea aphid. In addition, two H. saltator bHLHs named PaCrp1 and PaSide locate on two separate contigs in the genome.ConclusionsA putative full set of PabHLH genes is comparable with other insect species and genes encoding Oligo, MyoRb and Figα were not found in genomes of all insect species of which bHLH family members have been identified. Moreover, in-family phylogenetic analyses indicate that the PabHLH genes are more closely related with Apis mellifera than others. The present study will serve as a solid foundation for further investigations into the structure and function of bHLH proteins in the regulation of H. saltator development.
Highlights
The basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors and their homologs form a superfamily that plays essential roles in transcriptional networks of multiple developmental processes. bHLH family members have been identified in over 20 organisms, including fruit fly, zebrafish, human and mouse
A putative full set of Ponerine ant bHLH (PabHLH) genes is comparable with other insect species and genes encoding Oligo, MyoRb and Figα were not found in genomes of all insect species of which bHLH family members have been identified
In-family phylogenetic analyses indicate that the PabHLH genes are more closely related with Apis mellifera than others
Summary
The basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors and their homologs form a superfamily that plays essential roles in transcriptional networks of multiple developmental processes. bHLH family members have been identified in over 20 organisms, including fruit fly, zebrafish, human and mouse. Since the first basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) motif with DNA-binding and dimerization capabilities was reported [1], numerous bHLH proteins have been found to be intimately involved in the regulation of a wide range of developmental processes, including neurogenesis, myogenesis, hematopoiesis, sex determination, gut development, cell differentiation and proliferation, as well as other essential processes in organisms ranging from yeast to humans [2,3]. Group C proteins, complex molecules with one or two PAS domains following the bHLH motif, tend to bind the core sequence of ACGTG or GCGTG They are responsible for the regulation of midline and tracheal development, circadian rhythms, and for the activation of gene transcription in response to environmental toxins. It has only one family, and mainly regulates head development and formation of olfactory sensory neurons [7,10]
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