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Proteins, exons and molecular evolution.

S K Holland, C C Blake

    Bio Systems
    |January 1, 1987
    PubMed
    Summary
    This summary is machine-generated.

    Exon shuffling, where gene segments (exons) recombine, explains rapid protein evolution. This process may have originated from early RNA enzymes (ribozymes) in the primordial soup, leading to modern gene and protein structures.

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    Area of Science:

    • Molecular Biology
    • Evolutionary Biology
    • Genetics

    Background:

    • The discovery of eukaryotic gene structure, characterized by exons and introns, has spurred research into its relationship with protein structure and function.
    • The exon shuffling hypothesis proposes that exons encode protein elements and can recombine to form novel proteins, explaining rapid protein evolution.
    • Recent research highlights the catalytic functions of RNA, suggesting early RNA molecules (ribozymes) may have preceded protein enzymes.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To explore the relationship between eukaryotic gene structure (exon/intron patterns) and protein structure/function.
    • To review the evidence supporting the exon shuffling hypothesis for protein evolution.
    • To discuss the potential role of early RNA enzymes in the origin of split genes and protein synthesis.

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    Main Methods:

    • Review of existing literature on eukaryotic gene structure, exon shuffling, and RNA catalytic functions.
    • Analysis of examples from modern multi-domain proteins and ancient proteins demonstrating exon shuffling.
    • Discussion of recent research on RNA processing and exon size in relation to evolutionary development.

    Main Results:

    • Evidence for exon shuffling is increasingly apparent in both modern and ancient proteins.
    • The exon shuffling hypothesis provides a mechanism for the rapid evolution of proteins from primordial molecules.
    • The review connects early RNA-based life (ribozymes) to the origin of split genes and the subsequent transfer of function to proteins.

    Conclusions:

    • Exon shuffling is a significant mechanism in protein evolution, facilitating the creation of novel proteins through recombination of exon-encoded elements.
    • The evolutionary trajectory suggests a transition from RNA enzymes to protein-based enzymes, with split genes originating from early RNA structures.
    • Understanding RNA processing and exon characteristics offers insights into the evolutionary development of gene and protein architecture.