The integrins of the urochordate Ciona intestinalis provide novel insights into the molecular evolution of the vertebrate integrin family.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Integrins are a functionally significant family of metazoan cell surface adhesion receptors. The receptors are dimers composed of an alpha and a beta chain. Vertebrate genomes encode an expanded set of integrin alpha and beta chains in comparison with protostomes such as drosophila or the nematode worm. The publication of the genome of a basal chordate, Ciona intestinalis, provides a unique opportunity to gain further insight into how and when the expanded integrin supergene family found in vertebrates evolved.

Results

The Ciona genome encodes eleven alpha and five beta chain genes that are highly homologous to their vertebrate homologues. Eight of the alpha chains contain an A-domain that lacks the short alpha helical region present in the collagen-binding verteb

SUBMITTER: Ewan R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1145181 | biostudies-literature | 2005 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature