SAND: A New Protein Family
Author Information
Author(s): Amanda Cottage, Yvonne J. K. Edwards, Greg Elgar
Primary Institution: UK Human Genome Mapping Project Resource Centre, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus
Hypothesis
Can we accurately predict the function and structure of the SAND protein family from genomic sequences?
Conclusion
The study identifies SAND as a new protein family with homologues in various eukaryotes, but its function remains unknown.
Supporting Evidence
- SAND was identified in the model vertebrate Fugu rubripes.
- Expression of SAND was confirmed in over 20 different eukaryotes.
- Two SAND paralogues were identified in mammals.
- Bioinformatic analyses were used to predict structural properties of SAND.
Takeaway
Scientists found a new protein called SAND that is similar in many animals and plants, but they don't know what it does yet.
Methodology
The study involved genomic sequencing, bioinformatic analysis, and RT PCR to identify and characterize the SAND protein.
Limitations
The function of the SAND proteins is still completely unknown despite extensive analysis.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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