The evolution of pepsinogen C genes in vertebrates: duplication, loss and functional diversification.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Aspartic proteases comprise a large group of enzymes involved in peptide proteolysis. This collection includes prominent enzymes globally categorized as pepsins, which are derived from pepsinogen precursors. Pepsins are involved in gastric digestion, a hallmark of vertebrate physiology. An important member among the pepsinogens is pepsinogen C (Pgc). A particular aspect of Pgc is its apparent single copy status, which contrasts with the numerous gene copies found for example in pepsinogen A (Pga). Although gene sequences with similarity to Pgc have been described in some vertebrate groups, no exhaustive evolutionary framework has been considered so far.

Methodology/principal findings

By combining phylogenetics and genomic analysis, we find an unexpected Pgc divers

SUBMITTER: Castro LF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3298455 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature