Evidence for a Large Expansion and Subfunctionalization of Globin Genes in Sea Anemones.

ABSTRACT: The globin gene superfamily has been well-characterized in vertebrates, however, there has been limited research in early-diverging lineages, such as phylum Cnidaria. This study aimed to identify globin genes in multiple cnidarian lineages, and use bioinformatic approaches to characterize the evolution, structure, and expression of these genes. Phylogenetic analyses and in silico protein predictions showed that all cnidarians have undergone an expansion of globin genes, which likely have a hexacoordinate protein structure. Our protein modeling has also revealed the possibility of a single pentacoordinate globin lineage in anthozoan species. Some cnidarian globin genes displayed tissue and development specific expression with very few orthologous genes similarly expressed across species. Ou

SUBMITTER: Smith HL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6077788 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature