Prokaryotic Origin of Eukaryotic Vesicle Transport Protein
Author Information
Author(s): Podar Mircea, Wall Mark A, Makarova Kira S, Koonin Eugene V
Primary Institution: Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Hypothesis
Is the prokaryotic V4R domain the ancestor of a key component of the eukaryotic vesicle transport system?
Conclusion
The study suggests that the V4R protein domain in prokaryotes is homologous to the Bet3 subunit of the TRAPP1 complex in eukaryotes, indicating a prokaryotic origin for this key trafficking protein.
Supporting Evidence
- The V4R domain is present in many bacteria and archaea, suggesting an ancient origin.
- Structural analysis showed high similarity between V4R and Bet3, indicating evolutionary relatedness.
- The study proposes that V4R may have played a role in early eukaryotic vesicle transport.
Takeaway
Scientists found that a protein from bacteria is similar to a protein in human cells that helps move things around inside the cell, suggesting that this ability started a long time ago.
Methodology
The study involved genomic data analysis and structural modeling to compare the V4R domain in prokaryotes with the Bet3 subunit in eukaryotes.
Limitations
The functions of V4R domain-containing proteins in archaea and bacteria are not thoroughly understood.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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