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Conservation of tubulin-binding sequences in TRPV1 throughout evolution
Puspendu Sardar1, Abhishek Kumar, Anita Bhandari
1National Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhubaneswar, Orissa, India.
Plos One
|April 13, 2012
Summary
The capsaicin receptor (TRPV1) evolved approximately 420 million years ago. Its tubulin binding sequences (TBS) are highly conserved, indicating crucial roles in channel function and evolution.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Evolution
- Biophysics
- Genomics
Background:
- The Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid sub type 1 (TRPV1), or capsaicin receptor, detects diverse stimuli including noxious compounds, pH, temperature, and electromagnetic waves.
- TRPV1 plays a critical role in numerous physiological and sensory processes, influencing organismal adaptation and evolution.
- Publicly available eukaryotic genomic data enables the study of TRPV1 molecular evolution and the conservation of functionally important domains and motifs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the molecular evolution and conservation patterns of the TRPV1 protein.
- To identify functionally significant regions and motifs within TRPV1 that have undergone evolutionary selection.
- To understand the evolutionary significance of tubulin binding sequences (TBS) in TRPV1 structure and function.
Main Methods:
- Bioinformatic analysis of eukaryotic genomic sequences.
- Statistical analysis of TRPV1 protein sequences.
- In silico structural prediction of TRPV1 motifs.
Main Results:
- TRPV1 evolved approximately 420 million years ago.
- Specific domains and motifs, notably the TRP box and tubulin binding sequences (TBS), exhibit significant conservation, indicating functional importance.
- Tubulin binding sequence-1 (TBS-1) and TBS-2 can form helical structures, suggesting a role in TRPV1 function and interaction with tubulin.
Conclusions:
- Key regions, including TBS-1 near the TRP-box, are critical for TRPV1 structure-function relationships.
- The conserved interaction between TRPV1 and tubulin via TBS-1 holds evolutionary significance for channel regulation.
- This interaction may be vital for proper TRPV1 channel function and has implications for conditions like Taxol®-induced neuropathy.
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