The origins of novel protein interactions during animal opsin evolution.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Biologists are gaining an increased understanding of the genetic bases of phenotypic change during evolution. Nevertheless, the origins of phenotypes mediated by novel protein-protein interactions remain largely undocumented.

Methodology/principle findings

Here we analyze the evolution of opsin visual pigment proteins from the genomes of early branching animals, including a new class of opsins from Cnidaria. We combine these data with existing knowledge of the molecular basis of opsin function in a rigorous phylogenetic framework. We identify adaptive amino acid substitutions in duplicated opsin genes that correlate with a diversification of physiological pathways mediated by different protein-protein interactions.

Conclusions/significance

This study docume

SUBMITTER: Plachetzki DC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2013938 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature