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NAD(P) transhydrogenase isoform distribution provides insight into apicomplexan evolution.
Annie Z Tremp1, Sadia Saeed1, Johannes T Dessens1
1Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom.
Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution
|August 15, 2023
Summary
Membrane-located NAD(P) transhydrogenase (NTH) is widespread in eukaryotes but absent in plants. Its distribution and isoform variations offer insights into gene evolution, particularly in apicomplexan lineages.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Membrane-located NAD(P) transhydrogenase (NTH) facilitates reversible hydride transfer between NAD(H) and NADP(H), coupled with proton translocation.
- NTH is structurally conserved in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, localizing to bacterial cytoplasmic membranes and animal mitochondrial inner membranes.
- Eukaryotic NTH exists in two isoforms with non-mitochondrial roles, including in unicellular eukaryotes like *Plasmodium*.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically analyze the prevalence and isoform distribution of *nth* genes across eukaryotic life.
- To investigate the evolutionary history and gene loss patterns of NTH in different eukaryotic lineages.
Main Methods:
- Bioinformatic analysis of *nth* gene sequences across diverse eukaryotic taxa.
- Phylogenetic analysis to reconstruct evolutionary relationships and identify gene loss events.
Main Results:
- NTH is present across most major eukaryotic lineages, with notable exceptions such as plants.
- Isoform distribution patterns were identified, varying significantly across different groups.
- Evidence for distinct *nth* gene loss scenarios was found in apicomplexan lineages.
Conclusions:
- The study provides a comprehensive overview of NTH distribution and evolution in eukaryotes.
- Findings shed light on the evolutionary dynamics of NTH, including specific gene loss events in apicomplexans.
- This research contributes to understanding the functional diversification and evolutionary trajectories of NTH across eukaryotes.
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