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Evolution of prokaryotic SPFH proteins.
Markus Hinderhofer1, Christina A Walker, Anke Friemel
1Department of Biology, Neurobiology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany. markus.hinderhofer@gmx.de
BMC Evolutionary Biology
|January 14, 2009
Summary
The SPFH protein superfamily likely originated from common prokaryotic ancestors, with eukaryotic families evolving from multiple prokaryotic sources. Lateral gene transfer explains their diverse distribution patterns across species.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genomics
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- The SPFH protein superfamily is diverse, with eukaryotic members involved in scaffolding detergent-resistant microdomains.
- The evolutionary origin of SPFH proteins is debated, with convergent evolution proposed but questioned.
- Alternative mechanisms like lateral gene transfer (LGT) could explain SPFH protein distribution patterns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the evolutionary origins and diversification of the SPFH protein superfamily.
- To analyze the occurrence and genomic context of prokaryotic SPFH members across various microorganisms.
Main Methods:
- Genome-wide analysis of 497 microbial genomes.
- Investigation of SPFH protein occurrence patterns.
- Analysis of genomic vicinity and operon structures.
Main Results:
- SPFH proteins divided into 12 subfamilies based on sequence and operon structure.
- Five subfamilies show conserved operon structures and functional links, suggesting common ancestry.
- Complex distribution patterns indicate LGT; organisms lacking SPFH proteins are often endosymbionts/parasites.
Conclusions:
- At least 5 prokaryotic SPFH subfamilies share a common origin, supported by conserved operon structure and function.
- Eukaryotic SPFH families likely originated from diverse prokaryotic SPFH families, not a single source.
- Phylogenetic evidence supports LGT as a significant factor in the distribution of SPFH proteins in bacteria.
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