Genome-Wide Identification, Characterization of the <i>ORA</i> (Olfactory Receptor Class A) Gene Family, and Potential Roles in Bile Acid and Pheromone Recognition in Mandarin Fish (<i>Siniperca chuatsi</i>)
The <i>ORA</i> (olfactory receptor class A) gene family in teleosts is related to the <i>V1R</i> (vomeronasal 1 receptors) family in mammals and plays a key role in odor detection. Although <i>ORA</i> genes have been identified in several teleosts, their character...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-01-01
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| Series: | Cells |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4409/14/3/189 |
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| Summary: | The <i>ORA</i> (olfactory receptor class A) gene family in teleosts is related to the <i>V1R</i> (vomeronasal 1 receptors) family in mammals and plays a key role in odor detection. Although <i>ORA</i> genes have been identified in several teleosts, their characteristics in mandarin fish (<i>Siniperca chuatsi</i>) have not been explored. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive genomic analysis of the mandarin fish and discovered a complete <i>ORA</i> gene family consisting of five members located on chromosome 2 (<i>ORA1</i>, <i>ORA2</i>, <i>ORA3</i>, <i>ORA4</i>) and chromosome 16 (<i>ORA6</i>). Phylogenetic, synteny, and gene structure analyses revealed typical exon–intron conservation with strong evidence of purifying selection. Tissue expression analysis showed distinct expression profiles for each <i>ORA</i> gene, with some showing sexual dimorphism in specific tissues. The expression of <i>ORA1</i> and <i>ORA2</i> in the olfactory epithelium exhibits sexual dimorphism, while <i>ORA3</i> shows sexual dimorphism in the brain. <i>In situ</i> hybridization confirmed that <i>ORA1</i>, <i>ORA2</i>, <i>ORA3</i>, and <i>ORA6</i> are expressed in the microvillar sensory neurons of the olfactory epithelium, while <i>ORA4</i> is expressed in crypt cells. Additionally, molecular docking simulations indicated that the five ORA proteins have a high binding affinity with seven bile acids (LAC, GLAC, CA, TLCA, 3-KLCA, 7-KLCA, and 12-KLCA), with ORAs showing stronger binding affinity with LCA and CA. This study comprehensively characterizes the <i>ORA</i> gene family in mandarin fish, examining its phylogeny, synteny, gene structure, and selection pressure. Furthermore, we found that each <i>ORA</i> displays a distinct expression pattern across multiple tissues, with notable sexual dimorphism, and shows potential binding interactions with specific bile acids and pheromones. Our findings provide valuable insights that enhance the overall understanding of fish ORAs and their potential functions. |
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| ISSN: | 2073-4409 |