Evolution of Plant AIG1-like Proteins: Different Modes of Sequence Divergence and Their Contributions to Functional Diversification.

ABSTRACT: AIG1 (avrRpt2-induced gene 1)-like proteins are a class of GTPases that play crucial roles in plants, functioning both in chloroplast protein import and disease resistance. However, their evolutionary history and the mechanisms driving this functional diversification remain poorly understood. Here, we performed a comprehensive genomic and evolutionary analysis of this gene family across the plant kingdom. We identified 90 AIG1-like genes from 11 sequenced plant species, representing major lineages from green algae to angiosperms. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that plant AIG1-like proteins form three monophyletic lineages corresponding to the Toc34, Toc159, and IAN subfamilies, which originated via two ancient duplications predating the divergence of green algae

SUBMITTER: Peng J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12845241 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature