Evolution and adaptation of single-pass transmembrane proteins

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Single-pass (bitopic) membrane proteins are crucial for cellular functions.
• Understanding their evolution and properties across different organisms is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comparatively analyze bitopic membrane proteins from six diverse organisms.
• To investigate the expansion, localization, and properties of bitopic proteins in eukaryotes, especially multicellular organisms.

Main Methods:

• Comparative analysis of 6039 bitopic membrane proteins.
• Utilized data from the Membranome database.
• Bioinformatic predictions of protein properties and localization.

Main Results:

• Bitopic protein repertoire is enlarged in eukaryotes, particularly multicellular organisms, with expanded roles in cell communication, trafficking, and structure.
• Significant divergence in functions, size, topology, and transmembrane helix properties observed across different cellular membranes and organisms.
• Plasma membrane proteins in multicellular organisms show higher propensity for homodimerization with specific helix packing ratios.

Conclusions:

• The evolution of multicellularity is associated with a significant expansion and functional diversification of bitopic membrane proteins.
• Transmembrane helix properties and dimerization propensities are finely tuned to membrane localization and biological function.
• These findings provide insights into the structural and functional adaptations of membrane proteins in complex organisms.