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Identification and comparative analysis of the epidermal differentiation complex in snakes
Karin Brigit Holthaus1,2, Veronika Mlitz1, Bettina Strasser1
1Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
Scientific Reports
|March 28, 2017
Summary
Snake skin proteins, crucial for protection, were studied. Researchers identified conserved genes in the Epidermal Differentiation Complex (EDC) and unique snake-specific genes, revealing evolutionary insights into reptile skin.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Genomics
- Dermatology
Background:
- Snake epidermis provides vital protection against dehydration and mechanical stress.
- Limited knowledge exists regarding the specific proteins forming the snake epidermal barrier.
- The Epidermal Differentiation Complex (EDC) is a gene cluster encoding proteins in cornified epidermal structures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the organization of the EDC in snakes.
- To compare snake EDC organization with other squamates and non-squamate reptiles.
- To understand the evolutionary history of snake skin proteins.
Main Methods:
- Comparative genomics
- Synteny analysis
- Gene cluster analysis
Main Results:
- Snake EDC shares synteny with the green anole lizard EDC, including corneous beta-protein (CBP)/beta-keratin genes.
- A unique CBP with 4 beta-sheets and cysteine-rich EDC proteins are conserved across snakes and squamates.
- Snake evolution involved gene duplication of scaffoldin, creation of snake-specific EDC genes, and loss of ancestral genes.
Conclusions:
- The study elucidates the genomic organization of the snake EDC.
- It identifies conserved and unique proteins contributing to the snake epidermal barrier.
- Findings offer insights into the evolution of skin in squamates and provide a foundation for characterizing snake epidermis composition.
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