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Creating and Applying a Reference to Facilitate the Discussion and Classification of Proteins in a Diverse Group

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Published on: August 16, 2017

Nitrile hydratase genes are present in multiple eukaryotic supergroups.

Alan O Marron¹, Michael Akam, Giselle Walker

¹Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom. am543@cam.ac.uk

|April 17, 2012

Summary

Nitrile hydratase genes are widespread across eukaryotic supergroups, indicating an ancient origin. This suggests the enzyme played a crucial metabolic role and was likely lost in some lineages.

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Area of Science:

Biochemistry
Eukaryotic Genomics
Enzymology

Background:

Nitrile hydratases (NHases) catalyze nitrile conversion to ammonia and organic acids.
Previously, NHases were known only in prokaryotes and two eukaryotes (Monosiga brevicollis, Aureococcus anophagefferens).
The NHase gene in M. brevicollis is a fusion of beta and alpha subunits, potentially acquired via lateral gene transfer.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the distribution of nitrile hydratase genes across diverse eukaryotic lineages.
To determine the evolutionary history and ancestral state of eukaryotic NHases.

Main Methods:

Bioinformatic analysis of genomic data.
Phylogenetic analyses of NHase gene sequences.
Comparative analysis of gene architecture and intron positions.

Main Results:

Nitrile hydratase genes were detected in five major eukaryotic supergroups: opisthokonts, amoebozoa, archaeplastids, CCTH, and SAR.
Beta-alpha subunit fusion genes are prevalent in choanoflagellates, ichthyosporeans, apusozoans, haptophytes, rhizarians, and stramenopiles.
Individual alpha or beta subunits were identified in dinoflagellates and haptophytes, respectively.

Conclusions:

Eukaryotic NHase genes are ancient, likely present in the last common ancestor of all eukaryotes.
NHase gene loss occurred independently in multiple eukaryotic taxa.
The widespread presence and retention of NHases suggest significant metabolic importance and potential biotechnological applications.