Phylogenetic and functional analysis of the Cation Diffusion Facilitator (CDF) family: improved signature and prediction of substrate specificity
2007

Analysis of Cation Diffusion Facilitator Family

Sample size: 273 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Montanini Barbara, Blaudez Damien, Jeandroz Sylvain, Sanders Dale, Chalot Michel

Primary Institution: UMR INRA/UHP 1136 Interactions Arbres/Micro-organismes, Nancy-Université

Hypothesis

This study aims to identify molecular determinants of substrate selectivity in the Cation Diffusion Facilitator (CDF) family.

Conclusion

The study identified three major substrate-specific CDF groups and proposed a modified signature sequence for identifying new CDF members.

Supporting Evidence

  • The study retrieved representative CDF members from all three kingdoms of life.
  • Phylogenetic reconstruction classified CDF members into three groups based on metal specificity.
  • Site-directed mutagenesis was used to assess the function of conserved amino acids in CDF transporters.

Takeaway

Scientists studied a family of proteins that help transport metals in cells and found three main types that work with different metals.

Methodology

Phylogenetic analysis and site-directed mutagenesis were used to study the CDF family.

Limitations

The study primarily focused on phylogenetic analysis and may not cover all functional aspects of CDF transporters.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2164-8-107

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