A novel and ancient group of type I keratins with members in bichir, sturgeon and gar.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND:Vertebrate epithelial cells typically express a specific set of keratins. In teleosts, keratins are also present in a variety of mesenchymal cells, which usually express vimentin. Significantly, our previous studies revealed that virtually all known teleost keratins evolved independently from those present in terrestrial vertebrates. To further elucidate the evolutionary scenario that led to the large variety of keratins and their complex expression patterns in present day teleosts, we have investigated their presence in bichir, sturgeon and gar. RESULTS:We have discovered a novel group of type I keratins with members in all three of these ancient ray-finned fish, but apparently no counterparts are present in any other vertebrate class so far investigated, including the modern t

SUBMITTER: Schaffeld M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1896152 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature