Evolution of g-type lysozymes in metazoa: insights into immunity and digestive adaptations.

ABSTRACT: Exploring the evolutionary dynamics of lysozymes is critical for advancing our knowledge of adaptations in immune and digestive systems. Here, we characterize the distribution of a unique class of lysozymes known as g-type, which hydrolyze key components of bacterial cell walls. Notably, ctenophores, and choanoflagellates (the sister group of Metazoa), lack g-type lysozymes. We reveal a mosaic distribution of these genes, particularly within lophotrochozoans/spiralians, suggesting the horizontal gene transfer events from predatory myxobacteria played a role in their acquisition, enabling specialized dietary and defensive adaptations. We further identify two major groups of g-type lysozymes based on their widespread distribution in gastropods. Despite their sequence diversity, these lysozym

SUBMITTER: Mukherjee K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11576321 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature