The Natterin Proteins Diversity: A Review on Phylogeny, Structure, and Immune Function

Area of Science:

• Evolutionary biology
• Immunology
• Bioinformatics

Background:

• Natterin proteins were initially identified in fish venom.
• Recent discoveries indicated a broader presence across species.
• Understanding their evolutionary history and function is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively screen genome databases for Natterin protein family members.
• To analyze sequence similarities, conserved domains, and evolutionary relationships.
• To elucidate the functional role of Natterin proteins in innate immunity.

Main Methods:

• Genome-wide screening using high-throughput bioinformatics tools.
• Sequence similarity and domain analysis.
• Phylogenetic analysis to determine evolutionary relationships.

Main Results:

• Identified 859 putative Natterin genes across 331 species, with a remote origin ~400 million years ago.
• Natterin-like proteins are widespread in Eukarya, including fish, insects, birds, plants, and jawless fish.
• A conserved AGIP motif in the pore-forming loop was identified, crucial for transmembrane insertion and immune cell activation.

Conclusions:

• Natterin proteins represent an ancient and broadly conserved component of the innate immune system.
• They function as effector molecules, activating host immune cells via conserved signaling pathways.
• This study significantly expands the known diversity and evolutionary history of the Natterin protein family.