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Human leukocyte and fibroblast interferons are structurally related
Nature
|June 19, 1980
Summary
Human leukocyte interferon I and fibroblast interferon genes share significant DNA and protein similarities. These findings suggest both interferon types evolved from a common ancestral gene.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Immunology
Background:
- Interferons are crucial proteins involved in the immune response.
- Two key types, human leukocyte interferon I and human fibroblast interferon, play distinct roles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the evolutionary relationship between human leukocyte interferon I and human fibroblast interferon.
- To compare the genetic sequences of these two interferon types.
Main Methods:
- Cloning of complementary DNAs (cDNAs) for both interferon types.
- Comparative analysis of nucleotide and amino acid sequences.
Main Results:
- Identified a 45% homology at the nucleotide sequence level.
- Observed a 29% homology at the amino acid sequence level.
Conclusions:
- The observed homologies indicate a shared evolutionary origin.
- Human leukocyte interferon I and fibroblast interferon genes likely derived from a common ancestral gene.