Emergence of saliva protein genes in the secretory calcium-binding phosphoprotein (SCPP) locus and accelerated evolution in primates.

ABSTRACT: Genes within the secretory calcium-binding phosphoprotein (SCPP) family evolved in conjunction with major evolutionary milestones: the formation of a calcified skeleton in vertebrates, the emergence of tooth enamel in fish, and the introduction of lactation in mammals. The SCPP gene family also contains genes expressed primarily and abundantly in human saliva. Here, we explored the evolution of the saliva-related SCPP genes by harnessing currently available genomic and transcriptomic resources. Our findings provide insights into the expansion and diversification of SCPP genes, notably identifying previously undocumented convergent gene duplications. In primate genomes, we found additional duplication and diversification events that affected genes coding for proteins secreted in saliva. The

SUBMITTER: Pajic P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10888740 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature