The hsp40 Gene Family in Japanese Flounder: Identification, Phylogenetic Relationships, Molecular Evolution Analysis, and Expression Patterns

Heat shock proteins (hsps) are cellular chaperones that involved in developmental stages and stress responses. Hsp40 is the major subfamily of hsps, but has not been fully characterized Japanese flounder ( Paralichthys olivaceus ), especially their roles immune response. In this study, a comprehensive identification analysis hsp40 presented, including gene structures, evolutionary relationships, conserved domains, molecular evolution analysis, expression patterns. Sequence features phylogenetic revealed genes could be grouped into 40 distinct subfamilies most them (96%) possessed no less than two introns. Molecular indicated were conservative during functional-constrained. Meanwhile, found to express different embryonic larval might play role sentinel healthy organisms. Furthermore, genes’ profiles after Edwardsiella tarda injection determined without precedent, 88% (44/50) showed differential patterns bacterial challenge. Our findings provide basic useful resources for understanding responsibilities flatfish.