Evolution of Lactate Dehydrogenases in Invertebrates
Author Information
Author(s): Cristescu Melania E, Innes David J, Stillman Jonathon H, Crease Teresa J
Primary Institution: University of Windsor
Hypothesis
The study investigates the evolutionary relationships of L-lactate and D-lactate dehydrogenases in invertebrates.
Conclusion
The presence of both L-Ldh and D-Ldh genes in several chordates and invertebrates suggests that the two enzymatic forms are not necessarily mutually exclusive.
Supporting Evidence
- Phylogenetic analyses revealed multiple gene duplication events in crustaceans and leeches.
- Both L-Ldh and D-Ldh genes were found in several chordates and invertebrates.
- The study suggests a shared evolutionary history for L-LDH and D-LDH across different species.
Takeaway
This study looks at how certain enzymes that help break down sugars have evolved in different animals, showing that some animals can have both types of these enzymes.
Methodology
Phylogenetic analyses were conducted using amino acid sequences from various taxa to understand the evolutionary relationships of L-LDH and D-LDH.
Limitations
The study's sample size for certain invertebrate taxa was limited, which may affect the conclusions drawn about their evolutionary relationships.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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