Genomic Complexity of Chitin-Binding Proteins in Amphioxus
Author Information
Author(s): Dishaw Larry J, Mueller M Gail, Gwatney Natasha, Cannon John P, Haire Robert N, Litman Ronda T, Amemiya Chris T, Ota Tatsuya, Rowen Lee, Glusman Gustavo, Litman Gary W
Primary Institution: All Children's Hospital, Department of Molecular Genetics
Hypothesis
The study investigates the genomic organization and polymorphism of variable region-containing chitin-binding proteins (VCBPs) in amphioxus.
Conclusion
The study reveals that VCBP genes in the amphioxus genome exhibit exceptionally high haplotype variation, contributing to a diverse pool of allelic variants.
Supporting Evidence
- VCBP genes are encoded in a single contiguous gene-rich chromosomal region.
- The VCBPs exhibit extensive haplotype variation, including copy number variation and indel polymorphism.
- Multi-animal cDNA screening suggests that haplotype-specific transcriptional variants may contribute to VCBP genetic diversity.
Takeaway
Amphioxus has special proteins that help its immune system, and these proteins can change a lot between different individuals.
Methodology
The study involved BAC and PAC library screening, sequencing, and transcriptional profiling using a novel transfection system.
Limitations
The assembly of the amphioxus genome was complicated by high repeat density and potential misassemblies.
Participant Demographics
Specimens were collected from the coastline of Tampa Bay, with genomic DNA isolated from pooled animals.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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