TY - JOUR
T1 - Molecular evolution of a developmental pathway
T2 - Phylogenetic analyses of transforming growth factor-β family ligands, receptors and Smad signal transducers
AU - Newfeld, Stuart
AU - Wisotzkey, Robert G.
AU - Kumar, Sudhir
PY - 1999/6
Y1 - 1999/6
N2 - Intercellular signaling by transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) proteins coordinates developmental decisions in many organisms. A receptor complex and Smad signal transducers are required for proper responses to TGF- β signals. We have taken a phylogenetic approach to understanding the developmental evolutionary history of TGF-β signaling pathways. We were interested in detecting evolutionary influences among the physically interacting multigene families encoding TGF-β ligands, receptors, and Smads. Our analyses included new ligands and Smads identified from genomic sequence as well as the newest published family members. From an evolutionary perspective we find that (I) TGF-β pathways do not predate the divergence of animals, plants, and fungi; (2) ligands of the TGF-β/activin subfamily likely originated after the divergence of nematodes and arthropods; (3) type I receptors from Caenorhabditis elegans are distinct from other receptors and may reflect an ancestral transitional state between type I and type II receptors; and (4) the Smad family appears to be evolving faster than, and independently of, ligands and receptors. From a developmental perspective we find (1) numerous phylogenetic associations not previously detected in each multigene family; (2) that there are unidentified pathway components that discriminate between type I and type II receptors; (3) that there are more Smads to be discovered in Drosophila and mammals; and (4) that the number of C-terminal serines is the best predictor of a Smad's role in TGF-β signal transduction. We discuss these findings with respect to the coevolution of physically interacting genes.
AB - Intercellular signaling by transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) proteins coordinates developmental decisions in many organisms. A receptor complex and Smad signal transducers are required for proper responses to TGF- β signals. We have taken a phylogenetic approach to understanding the developmental evolutionary history of TGF-β signaling pathways. We were interested in detecting evolutionary influences among the physically interacting multigene families encoding TGF-β ligands, receptors, and Smads. Our analyses included new ligands and Smads identified from genomic sequence as well as the newest published family members. From an evolutionary perspective we find that (I) TGF-β pathways do not predate the divergence of animals, plants, and fungi; (2) ligands of the TGF-β/activin subfamily likely originated after the divergence of nematodes and arthropods; (3) type I receptors from Caenorhabditis elegans are distinct from other receptors and may reflect an ancestral transitional state between type I and type II receptors; and (4) the Smad family appears to be evolving faster than, and independently of, ligands and receptors. From a developmental perspective we find (1) numerous phylogenetic associations not previously detected in each multigene family; (2) that there are unidentified pathway components that discriminate between type I and type II receptors; (3) that there are more Smads to be discovered in Drosophila and mammals; and (4) that the number of C-terminal serines is the best predictor of a Smad's role in TGF-β signal transduction. We discuss these findings with respect to the coevolution of physically interacting genes.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=0032979875&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=0032979875&partnerID=8YFLogxK
M3 - Article
C2 - 10353918
AN - SCOPUS:0032979875
SN - 0016-6731
VL - 152
SP - 783
EP - 795
JO - Genetics
JF - Genetics
IS - 2
ER -