A remarkably stable TipE gene cluster: evolution of insect Para sodium channel auxiliary subunits.

ABSTRACT:

Background

First identified in fruit flies with temperature-sensitive paralysis phenotypes, the Drosophila melanogaster TipE locus encodes four voltage-gated sodium (NaV) channel auxiliary subunits. This cluster of TipE-like genes on chromosome 3L, and a fifth family member on chromosome 3R, are important for the optional expression and functionality of the Para NaV channel but appear quite distinct from auxiliary subunits in vertebrates. Here, we exploited available arthropod genomic resources to trace the origin of TipE-like genes by mapping their evolutionary histories and examining their genomic architectures.

Results

We identified a remarkably conserved synteny block of TipE-like orthologues with well-maintained local gene arrangements from 21 insect species. Homologues

SUBMITTER: Li J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3240667 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature