Phylogenic relationships of the amino acid sequences of prosome (proteasome, MCP) subunits
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Updated: Aug 8, 2026

Examining Proteasome Assembly with Recombinant Archaeal Proteasomes and Nondenaturing PAGE: The Case for a Combined Approach
Published on: December 17, 2016
O Coux1, H G Nothwang, I Silva Pereira
1Institut Jacques Monod CNRS, Université Paris, France.
Abstract:
Prosomes [or proteasomes, Multi-Catalytic Proteinase (MCP) are multisubunit protein complexes, found from archaebacteria to man, the structure of which (a 4-layer cylinder) is remarkable conserved. They were first observed as subcomplexes of untranslated mRNP, and then as a multicatalytic proteinase with several proteolytic activities. A number of sequences from subunits of these complexes are now available. Analysis of the sequences shows that these subunits are evolutionarily related, and reveals three highly conserved amino acid stretches. Based on a phylogenic approach, we propose to classify the sequenced subunits into 14 families, which fall into two superfamilies, of the alpha- and beta-type. These data, together with several recently published observations, suggest that some subunits may be interchangeable within the complexes, which would thus constitute a population of heterogenous particles.
Insights
Proteasomes, or Multi-Catalytic Proteinase (MCP) complexes, are conserved from bacteria to humans. Sequence analysis reveals evolutionary relationships and suggests interchangeable subunits, forming diverse proteasome particles.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Proteasomes (or Multi-Catalytic Proteinase complexes) are highly conserved multisubunit protein structures found across diverse organisms.
- Initially observed as components of untranslated messenger ribonucleoprotein complexes (mRNP), they are now recognized for their significant proteolytic activities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the evolutionary relationships among proteasome subunits using available sequence data.
- To propose a classification system for proteasome subunits based on phylogenetic analysis.
Main Methods:
- Sequence analysis of available proteasome subunits.
- Phylogenetic analysis to determine evolutionary relationships.
- Identification of conserved amino acid stretches within subunits.
Main Results:
- Proteasome subunits are evolutionarily related, exhibiting three highly conserved amino acid stretches.
- A classification system is proposed, categorizing subunits into 14 families within two superfamilies: alpha-type and beta-type.
- Findings suggest potential interchangeability of subunits, leading to heterogeneous proteasome particles.
Conclusions:
- The evolutionary analysis provides a framework for understanding proteasome subunit diversity.
- The proposed classification aids in comprehending the structural and functional variations within proteasome complexes.
- Interchangeable subunits imply a dynamic nature of proteasome composition, contributing to functional heterogeneity.
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