Genomic Identification and Expression Analysis of the Cathelicidin Gene Family of the Forest Musk Deer

摘要

Simple SummaryCathelicidins are a group of host defense peptides in vertebrates with both antimicrobial and immunomodulatory activities. In the present study, we identified the entire repertoire of the cathelicidin gene family from the forest musk deer genome. Sequence comparison, phylogenetic topology, and gene and genomic organizations collectively suggest that all cathelicidin genes have already been fixed in the genome of forest musk deer before the split of moschidae and bovidae, while independent pseudogenization events have occurred after species divergence. In addition, real-time PCR analysis suggested that all functional cathelicidins play important roles in the immune system. The results of this study will be helpful for further evolutionary and functional studies.