Evolutionary diversification of the multimeric states of proteins

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62 Scopus citations

Abstract

One of the most striking features of proteins is their common assembly into multimeric structures, usually homomers with even numbers of subunits all derived from the same genetic locus. However, although substantial structural variation for orthologous proteins exists within and among major phylogenetic lineages, in striking contrast to patterns of gene structure and genome organization, there appears to be no correlation between the level of protein structural complexity and organismal complexity. In addition, there is no evidence that protein architectural differences are driven by lineage-specific differences in selective pressures. Here, it is suggested that variation in the multimeric states of proteins can readily arise from stochastic transitions resulting from the joint processes of mutation and random genetic drift, even in the face of constant directional selection for one particular protein architecture across all lineages. Under the proposed hypothesis, on a long evolutionary timescale, the numbers of transitions from monomers to dimers should approximate the numbers in the opposite direction and similarly for transitions between higherorder structures.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)E2821-E2828
JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
Volume110
Issue number30
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 23 2013
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Complex adaptation
  • Oligomer
  • Quaternary structure

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General

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