Evolution of transcription factor families
Expansion of transcription factor families correlates with organism complexity. Dr. Marian Walhout and her colleagues have carried out a large-scale systematic analysis of three primary influences on the evolution of functionally divergent transcription factors.
Abstract of their latest article in cell :
Differences in expression, protein interactions, and DNA binding of paralogous transcription factors (TF parameters) are thought to be important determinants of regulatory and biological specificity. However, both the extent of TF divergence and the relative contribution of individual TF parameters remain undetermined. We comprehensively identify dimerization partners, spatiotemporal expression patterns, and DNA-binding specificities for the C. elegans bHLH family of TFs, and model these data into an integrated network. This network displays both specificity and promiscuity, as some bHLH proteins, DNA sequences, and tissues are highly connected, whereas others are not. By comparing all bHLH TFs, we find extensive divergence and that all three parameters contribute equally to bHLH divergence. Our approach provides a framework for examining divergence for other protein families in C. elegans and in other complex multicellular organisms, including humans. Cross-species comparisons of integrated networks may provide further insights into molecular features underlying protein family evolution.
Reference:
A Multiparameter Network Reveals Extensive Divergence between C. elegans bHLH Transcription Factors
Christian A. Grove, Federico De Masi, M. Inmaculada Barrasa, Daniel E. Newburger, Mark J. Alkema, Martha L. Bulyk , Albertha J.M. Walhout
Cell, Volume 138, Issue 2, 314-327, 23 July 2009
doi:10.1016/j.cell.2009.04.058
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