Evolutionary history and functional implications of protein domains and their combinations in eukaryotes.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In higher multicellular eukaryotes, complex protein domain combinations contribute to various cellular functions such as regulation of intercellular or intracellular signaling and interactions. To elucidate the characteristics and evolutionary mechanisms that underlie such domain combinations, it is essential to examine the different types of domains and their combinations among different groups of eukaryotes.

Results

We observed a large number of group-specific domain combinations in animals, especially in vertebrates. Examples include animal-specific combinations in tyrosine phosphorylation systems and vertebrate-specific combinations in complement and coagulation cascades. These systems apparently underwent extensive evolution in the ancestors of these groups.

SUBMITTER: Itoh M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2394772 | biostudies-literature | 2007

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature