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Related Concept Videos

Protein Families02:47

Protein Families

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Protein families are groups of homologous proteins; that is, they have similarities in amino acid sequences and three-dimensional structures. Protein families usually occur because of gene duplication, where an additional copy of a gene is inserted into the genome of an organism.   Mutations that change the amino acids but still allow the protein to be properly synthesized, will lead to new protein family members.   If these new proteins contain similar amino acids in key...
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Conservation of Protein Domains Over Different Proteins02:26

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Protein domains are small structurally independent units that are part of a single amino acid chain.  Although these domains are often structurally independent, they may rely on synergistic effects to perform their functions as part of a larger protein. Protein domains may be conserved within the same organism, as well as across different organisms.
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Conserved Binding Sites01:49

Conserved Binding Sites

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Many proteins’ biological role depends on their interactions with their ligands, small molecules that bind to specific locations on the protein known as ligand-binding sites. Ligand-binding sites are often conserved among homologous proteins as these sites are critical for protein function.
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Protein Complexes with Interchangeable Parts01:57

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Groups of proteins may form a complex where each protein in this complex has a different role in the overall execution of the complex’s function. Often some of the proteins in the complex can be replaced by a closely related variant to give a complex that contains many of the same components yet is functionally distinct.
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Gene Duplication and Divergence02:37

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The seminal work of Ohno in 1970 popularized the idea of gene duplication and divergence. DNA sequence comparison studies reveal that a large portion of the genes in bacteria, archaebacteria, and eukaryotes was  generated by gene duplication and divergence, indicating its critical role in evolution.
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The Evidence for Evolution02:55

The Evidence for Evolution

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Genetic variations accumulating within populations over generations give rise to biological evolution. Evolutionary changes can result in the formation of novel varieties and entire new species. These changes are responsible for the diverse forms of life inhabiting the planet. The evidence for evolution suggests that all living organisms descended from common ancestors.
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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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Creating and Applying a Reference to Facilitate the Discussion and Classification of Proteins in a Diverse Group

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ABC proteins in evolution.

Fumihiko Ogasawara1, Atsushi Kodan1, Kazumitsu Ueda1

  • 1Institute for integrated Cell-Material Sciences (WPI-iCeMS), KUIAS, Kyoto University, Japan.

FEBS Letters
|October 1, 2020
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

ATP-binding cassette (ABC) proteins are crucial for evolution, enabling nutrient import, cell membrane formation, and toxin export. These proteins protected early life and accelerated vertebrate evolution.

Keywords:
ABC proteinsABCA1HDLX-ray crystal structurecholesterolevolutionfloppaselipidtransportervertebrate

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary biology
  • Molecular biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • ATP-binding cassette (ABC) proteins are essential molecular machines found in all life forms.
  • Their diverse functions suggest a significant role in evolutionary processes.
  • Understanding ABC protein evolution provides insights into fundamental biological mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the evolutionary roles of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) proteins.
  • To explore their contribution to the development of unicellular and multicellular organisms.
  • To highlight their impact on the evolution of bacteria, plants, and animals.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on ATP-binding cassette (ABC) protein evolution.
  • Analysis of the functional diversification of ABC protein families.
  • Comparative genomics and evolutionary trajectory analysis.

Main Results:

  • Early unicellular organisms acquired ABC proteins for nutrient import (type 1) and cell membrane biogenesis (types 2 and 3).
  • A fourth type of ABC protein evolved for exporting toxic compounds, aiding adaptation.
  • ABC proteins facilitated terrestrial life by preventing water loss and pathogen infection, and accelerated vertebrate evolution via cholesterol signaling.

Conclusions:

  • ATP-binding cassette (ABC) proteins were fundamental to early life's evolution and adaptation.
  • Their roles expanded significantly with the emergence of complex life, including plants and animals.
  • ABC proteins continue to be vital for cellular functions and evolutionary innovation.