Structural diversification and neo-functionalization during floral MADS-box gene evolution by C-terminal frameshift mutations.

ABSTRACT: Frameshift mutations generally result in loss-of-function changes since they drastically alter the protein sequence downstream of the frameshift site, besides creating premature stop codons. Here we present data suggesting that frameshift mutations in the C-terminal domain of specific ancestral MADS-box genes may have contributed to the structural and functional divergence of the MADS-box gene family. We have identified putative frameshift mutations in the conserved C-terminal motifs of the B-function DEF/AP3 subfamily, the A-function SQUA/AP1 subfamily and the E-function AGL2 subfamily, which are all involved in the specification of organ identity during flower development. The newly evolved C-terminal motifs are highly conserved, suggesting a de novo generation of functionality. Interest

SUBMITTER: Vandenbussche M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC169922 | biostudies-literature | 2003 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature