Adaptive evolutionary research of the guanylate binding proteins family

Abstract

Guanylate binding proteins (GBPs), encoded by the GBP gene family, are a multi-gene family belonging to the immune system. However, their evolutionary characteristics in ungulates are largely unknown. In this study, we identified 259 sequences of seven GBP genes from the unannotated genomes of 37 ungulate species and performed phylogenetic and selection pressure analyses on the GBP genes using comparative genomics approaches. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that GBP2 and GBP3 genes may have widespread homology. Evolutionary analysis revealed significant purifying selection acting on GBP genes during the evolution of ungulates, indicating a high degree of conservation. The GBP3 gene may play a more important role in antiviral defense. Comparative developmental analysis between even-toed ungulates and odd-toed ungulates showed that several members of the GBP gene family (GBP3, GBP4, GBP5, GBP6, and GBP7) exhibited stronger positive selection pressure in even-toed ungulates. The importance of this study lies in filling knowledge gaps, analyzing evolutionary mechanisms, exploring functional differences, and providing a foundation and guidance for future research in related fields. This study clarifies the phylogenetic and evolutionary characteristics of the GBP gene in ungulates, providing valuable data for further research on the evolutionary characteristics of ungulates.