Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026

Point-of-care CRISPR-based Diagnostics with Premixed and Freeze-dried Reagents
Published on: August 16, 2024
Molecular evolution caught in action: gene duplication and evolution of molecular isoforms of prothrombin activators
M A Reza1, T N Minh Le, S Swarup
1Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
Background:
The evolution of structurally and functionally similar proteins with highly diverse physiological roles within a single organism is of great interest. Australian elapid snakes offer an excellent opportunity to study the molecular evolution of prothrombin activators. Venom from Pseudonaja textilis contains pseutarin C, a group C prothrombin activator. Its enzymatic subunit is structurally and functionally similar to mammalian factor (F) Xa, whereas its non-enzymatic subunit is similar to FVa. As vertebrates, the snakes also contain a system to activate prothrombin in their own blood during injury. These hemostatic factors are produced in the liver.
Results:
Here we describe the presence of two molecular forms of FX expressed in the liver of P. textilis. Both isoforms have molecular signatures and domain architecture of FX. However, one isoform shows approximately 94% sequence identity with the snake FX from Tropidechis carinatus, whereas the other is much closer (90% identity) to the catalytic subunit of pseutarin C (PCCS). Real-time polymerase chain reaction reveals that the latter isoform is expressed approximately 56 000 times lower in the liver of P. textilis. However, the isoforms are not expressed in the venom gland.
Conclusion:
A detailed analysis of deletions and insertions along with the sequence indicates that the second isoform is an intermediate caught in the evolution of venom prothrombin activator from the blood coagulation FX. Thus, this isoform represents a 'molecular fossil' and reveals the likely evolutionary path of recruitment of FX in the venom gland.
Related Concept Videos
Gene Duplication and Divergence
The duplicated copies of the gene are called Paralogs. Paralogs with similar sequences and functions form a gene family. Across several species, a large number of gene families are characterized.
Exon Recombination
Exon shuffling follows “splice frame rules.” Each exon has three reading...
Gene Evolution - Fast or Slow?
In contrast, regions which code...
Gene Evolution - Fast or Slow?
In contrast, regions which code...
Convergent Evolution
Bacterial RNA Polymerase
In most genes, the transcription site is a single base present upstream of the coding sequence. Though RNAP is a catalytically efficient enzyme, it does not recognize...

