Genomic functional annotation and comparative analysis of ABC transporter protein family genes in nine types of Chironomidae insects.

BACKGROUND

The ABC (ATP-binding cassette) transporter family constitutes one of the most extensive transmembrane transporter gene families found across all realms of life. In insects, ABC transporters are crucial for processes such as nutrient metabolism, regulating metamorphosis, and detoxifying xenobiotics. Chironomidae, a diverse aquatic insect group of significant ecological importance that does not bite, has lacked comprehensive annotation of ABC transporters, with the exception of our recent work on Propsilocerus akamusi. In this study, we broaden the annotation by detecting ABC transporter genes across eight additional Chironomidae species, which include all accessible genomes.

RESULTS

A total of 454 ABC transporter genes were annotated across the eight species, categorized into eight distinct subfamilies: 67 belonging to the ABCA subfamily, 45 to ABCB, 105 to ABCC, 13 to ABCD, eight to ABCE, 23 to ABCF, 114 to ABCG, and 78 to ABCH. Phylogenetic analysis using Drosophila melanogaster as an external reference revealed clear orthologous relationships for most Chironomidae ABC transporters, except for a notable expansion of the ABCH subfamily.

CONCLUSIONS

This research offers crucial understanding of the evolutionary processes and physiological roles played by ABC transporters within the Chironomidae species, offering a foundation for understanding their role in the environmental adaptability of these species.