FEZ2 has acquired additional protein interaction partners relative to FEZ1: functional and evolutionary implications.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The FEZ (fasciculation and elongation protein zeta) family designation was purposed by Bloom and Horvitz by genetic analysis of C. elegans unc-76. Similar human sequences were identified in the expressed sequence tag database as FEZ1 and FEZ2. The unc-76 function is necessary for normal axon fasciculation and is required for axon-axon interactions. Indeed, the loss of UNC-76 function results in defects in axonal transport. The human FEZ1 protein has been shown to rescue defects caused by unc-76 mutations in nematodes, indicating that both UNC-76 and FEZ1 are evolutionarily conserved in their function. Until today, little is known about FEZ2 protein function.

Methodology/principal findings

Using the yeast two-hybrid system we demonstrate here conserved evolutionary

SUBMITTER: Alborghetti MR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3050892 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature