The APOBEC3 Immune System in Artiodactyls
Author Information
Author(s): LaRue Rebecca S, Jónsson Stefán R, Silverstein Kevin A T, Lajoie Mathieu, Bertrand Denis, El-Mabrouk Nadia, Hötzel Isidro, Andrésdóttir Valgerdur, Smith Timothy P L, Harris Reuben S
Primary Institution: University of Minnesota
Hypothesis
To gain insights into the mechanism and timing of A3 gene expansion and into the functional modularity of these genes.
Conclusion
The common ancestor of artiodactyls and primates possessed a modular A3 gene set that has evolved through multiple recombination events.
Supporting Evidence
- Sheep and cattle have three A3 genes, while pigs have only two.
- All four artiodactyl A3 proteins demonstrated DNA cytosine deaminase activity.
- The A3 repertoire of artiodactyls shows modularity and functional diversity.
- Phylogenetic analyses suggest a common ancestor of artiodactyls and primates had a Z1-Z2-Z3 A3 gene set.
Takeaway
This study shows that sheep and cattle have three A3 genes, while pigs have two, and that these genes help protect against viruses.
Methodology
The study involved genomic sequence analysis, expressed cDNA characterization, and functional assays of A3 proteins.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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