Saliva Protein Genes in Humans were Shaped During Primate Evolution.

ABSTRACT: Genes within the secretory calcium-binding phosphoprotein locus diversified along with the formation of a calcified skeleton in vertebrates, the emergence of tooth enamel in fish, and the introduction of lactation in mammals, at each stage marking major transitions in life history. The secretory calcium-binding phosphoprotein (SCPP) locus also harbors genes expressed primarily and abundantly in the saliva of humans. Here, we explored the phylogeny and evolution of the saliva-related SCPP genes by harnessing available genomic and transcriptomic resources. We observe extensive diversification of SCPP genes within mammals, driven by gene duplications and losses, with the most pronounced changes occurring in the SCPP genes that are expressed in salivary glands. When comparing rodent and human

SUBMITTER: Pajic P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12457735 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature