Chitinase family GH18: evolutionary insights from the genomic history of a diverse protein family
2007
Evolutionary Insights into Chitinase Family GH18
publication
Evidence: high
Author Information
Author(s): Jane D Funkhouser, Nathan N Aronson Jr
Primary Institution: University of South Alabama
Hypothesis
What is the evolutionary history of the GH18 multiprotein family from early eukaryotes to mammals?
Conclusion
The study reveals that the human GH18 gene family is closely linked to the human major histocompatibility complex, suggesting its expansion may relate to immune system evolution.
Supporting Evidence
- The GH18 family has three major phylogenetic groups: chitobiases, chitinases/chitolectins, and stabilin-1 interacting chitolectins.
- Gene duplication and loss in the GH18 family follows a birth-and-death model of evolution.
- The human GH18 gene family is located adjacent to the MHC paralogon on chromosome 1.
Takeaway
This study looks at how a family of proteins called chitinases has changed over time in different animals, especially humans, and how they might help our immune system.
Methodology
Comparative genomic analysis was used to study the evolutionary history of the GH18 multiprotein family.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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