Apicomplexan apicortins possess a long disordered N-terminal extension
1Institute of Enzymology, Biological Research Center, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Karolina út 29, H-1113 Budapest, Hungary. orosz@enzim.hu
Summary
Apicortin proteins, found in placozoans and apicomplexan parasites, are now identified in fungi. These proteins have distinct subgroups, with apicomplexan types featuring a unique N-terminal extension.
Area of Science:
- * Molecular Biology
- * Genomics
- * Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- * Apicortin is a recently identified protein found in the placozoan Trichoplax adhaerens and apicomplexan parasites.
- * Apicortins contain conserved DCX and p25alpha domains, also found in doublecortins and TPPPs, respectively.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To investigate the broader phylogenomic distribution of apicortin.
- * To characterize the structural differences between apicomplexan and non-apicomplexan apicortins.
Main Methods:
- * Phylogenomic analysis of protein sequences.
- * Bioinformatic prediction of protein domain structures and disorder.
Main Results:
- * Apicortin identified in the chytrid fungus Spizellomyces punctatus, expanding its known distribution.
- * Apicortins classified into two subgroups: apicomplexan and non-apicomplexan.
- * Apicomplexan apicortins possess a unique, long N-terminal extension predicted to be disordered.
Conclusions:
- * The phylogenomic distribution of apicortin is wider than previously recognized.
- * The N-terminal extension in apicomplexan apicortins represents a phylum-specific innovation.
- * This extension may be functionally significant for protein-protein interactions in apicomplexans.
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