In silico survey of the mitochondrial protein uptake and maturation systems in the brown alga Ectocarpus siliculosus.

ABSTRACT: The acquisition of mitochondria was a key event in eukaryote evolution. The aim of this study was to identify homologues of the components of the mitochondrial protein import machinery in the brown alga Ectocarpus and to use this information to investigate the evolutionary history of this fundamental cellular process. Detailed searches were carried out both for components of the protein import system and for related peptidases. Comparative and phylogenetic analyses were used to investigate the evolution of mitochondrial proteins during eukaryote diversification. Key observations include phylogenetic evidence for very ancient origins for many protein import components (Tim21, Tim50, for example) and indications of differences between the outer membrane receptors that recognize the mitochond

SUBMITTER: Delage L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3097184 | biostudies-literature | 2011

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature