Genome-Wide in silico Analysis and Identification of Bos taurus SOX Gene Family

The SOX (SRY-box transcription factors) gene family is defined by the presence of the HMG-box (High-mobility group) domain, which was first discovered in the SRY (sex-determining region on the Y chromosome) gene located on the Y chromosome, and plays a vital role in the initiation of male sex determination. The purpose of this study was to genome-wide identify and characterize SOX gene family members in silico in Bos taurus. A total of 15 SOX proteins were identified in the Bos taurus genome. These proteins weigh between 26.49 (Bt-SOX-14) and 93.35 (Bt-SOX-6) kDa and have theoretical isoelectric points ranging from 4.95-9.85. As a result of phylogenetic analyses, Bt-SOX proteins and SOX proteins of Mus musculus and Homo sapiens species were clustered in 7 main groups. Segmental duplication was also detected between Bt-SOX-14/Bt-SOX-21, Bt-SOX-5/Bt-SOX-6, Bt-SOX-9/Bt-SOX-10 and Bt-SOX-4/Bt-SOX-11 gene pairs. On the other hand, according to in silico gene expression, Bt-SOX genes exhibited different expression profiles in different tissues and were found to have the highest expression in brain and testicular tissues. This indicates that the majority of Bt-SOX genes have tissue-specific expression. The findings of this research offer a valuable resource for gaining a deeper insight into the molecular foundation of the SOX gene family in Bos taurus.