Phylogenomic analysis of the cystatin superfamily in eukaryotes and prokaryotes.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The cystatin superfamily comprises cysteine protease inhibitors that play key regulatory roles in protein degradation processes. Although they have been the subject of many studies, little is known about their genesis, evolution and functional diversification. Our aim has been to obtain a comprehensive insight into their origin, distribution, diversity, evolution and classification in Eukaryota, Bacteria and Archaea.

Results

We have identified in silico the full complement of the cystatin superfamily in more than 2100 prokaryotic and eukaryotic genomes. The analysis of numerous eukaryotic genomes has provided strong evidence for the emergence of this superfamily in the ancestor of eukaryotes. The progenitor of this superfamily was most probably intracellular and l

SUBMITTER: Kordis D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2784779 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature