Structural and Evolutionary Relationships of Melanin Cascade Proteins in Cnidarian Innate Immunity.

ABSTRACT: Melanin is an essential product that plays an important role in innate immunity in a variety of organisms across the animal kingdom. Melanin synthesis is performed by many organisms using the tyrosine metabolism pathway, a general pathway that utilizes a type-three copper oxidase protein, called PO-candidates (phenoloxidase candidates). While melanin synthesis is well-characterized in organisms like arthropods and humans, it is not as well-understood in non-model organisms such as cnidarians. With the rising anthropomorphic climate change influence on marine ecosystems, cnidarians, specifically corals, are under an increased threat of bleaching and disease. Understanding innate immune pathways, such as melanin synthesis, is vital for gaining insights into how corals may be able to fight th

SUBMITTER: Van Buren EW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11579526 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature