Phylogenetic analysis of the tenascin gene family: evidence of origin early in the chordate lineage
2006
Study of Tenascin Gene Family Origins in Chordates
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Tucker RP, Drabikowski K, Hess JF, Ferralli J, Chiquet-Ehrismann R, Adams JC
Hypothesis
Tenascins may be specific to chordates and their origins can be traced back to early in the chordate lineage.
Conclusion
The presence of a tenascin gene in urochordates but not other invertebrate phyla suggests that tenascins may be specific to chordates.
Supporting Evidence
- A single tenascin gene was identified in the genome of C. intestinalis.
- Both pufferfish genomes encode five tenascin genes.
- Four tenascin genes were identified in the X. tropicalis genome.
- Phylogenetic analysis shows that tenascin-C and tenascin-R are closely related.
Takeaway
Tenascins are special proteins found in chordates, and this study shows they first appeared a long time ago in their evolutionary history.
Methodology
The study involved genomic analysis and phylogenetic reconstruction of tenascin genes from various species.
Limitations
The study is limited by the availability of complete genomic sequences for some species.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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