Whole genome level analysis of the DEATH protein superfamily in sheep (Ovis aries) and their coordination relationship in regulating lactation

Abstract Background Sheep milk is a nutritional and health-promoting food source for humans. The DEATH superfamily conserved protein family, some of its members are closely related to lactation. Systematic studies the important further understanding functions in mammary gland during lactation; however, there currently lacking. Results Herein, 74 were identified sheep, phylogenetic analyses indicated that four subfamilies strongly correlated evolution. Ka/Ks calculations demonstrated negative selection was primary pressure acting on members; immune-related gene IFI203 undergoing strong positive sheep. Furthermore, late pregnancy lactation period, these genes exhibited similar expression patterns under different conditions gland, positively patterns. Additionally, half or more upregulated which implied their crucial roles Conclusions current research contributes better evolutionary characteristics sheep lactation, it also provides potential target molecular breeding dairy Graphical