Phylogenetic Patterns of Codon Evolution in the ACTIN-DEPOLYMERIZING FACTOR/COFILIN (ADF/CFL) Gene Family.

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• The actin-depolymerizing factor/cofilin (ADF/CFL) gene family encodes proteins modulating actin dynamics.
• Recent studies reveal ADF/CFL proteins' roles extend to signal transduction and cytonuclear trafficking.
• ADF/CFL paralog expression varies across tissues and developmental stages in plants and animals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the evolutionary forces driving ADF/CFL gene family diversification using computational methods.
• To identify patterns of selection acting on ADF/CFL protein evolution across different lineages.

Main Methods:

• Phylogenetic analysis of ADF/CFL gene family.
• Estimation of non-synonymous to synonymous mutation rates (dN/dS) across lineages.
• Identification of codon positions under selection.

Main Results:

• The majority of ADF/CFL gene family codon positions are under strong purifying selection.
• Episodic accelerated protein evolution was observed in specific ADF/CFL subclasses.
• Sites under selection were located in functionally adaptable protein regions.

Conclusions:

• Purifying selection is the primary force shaping ADF/CFL evolution, maintaining core functions.
• Specific instances of accelerated evolution suggest adaptation and functional innovation within ADF/CFL subclasses.
• Identified sites under selection may be key to the functional diversification of ADF/CFL proteins.