Identification and Phylogenetic Analysis of Chitin Synthase Genes from the Deep-Sea Polychaete Branchipolynoe onnuriensis Genome

Chitin, one of the most abundant biopolymers in nature, is a crucial material that provides sufficient rigidity to the exoskeleton. In addition, chitin is a valuable substance in both the medical and industrial fields. The synthesis of chitin is catalyzed by chitin synthase (CHS) enzymes. Although the chitin synthesis pathway is highly conserved from fungi to invertebrates, CHSs have mostly only been investigated in insects and crustaceans. Especially, little is known about annelids from hydrothermal vents. To understand chitin synthesis from the evolutionary view in a deep-sea environment, we first generated the whole-genome sequencing of the parasitic polychaete Branchipolynoe onnuriensis. We identified seven putative CHS genes (BonCHS1-BonCHS7) by domain searches and phylogenetic analyses. This study showed that most crustaceans have only a single copy or two gene copies, whereas at least two independent gene duplication events occur in B. onnuriensis. This is the first study of CHS obtained from a parasitic species inhabiting a hydrothermal vent and will provide insight into various organisms' adaptation to the deep-sea hosts.