Evolution of the bacterial phosphotransferase system: from carriers and enzymes to group translocators

2005 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 220-224 ◽  
Author(s):  
M.H. Saier ◽  
R.N. Hvorup ◽  
R.D. Barabote
Keyword(s):  
Complex System ◽  
Protein Evolution ◽  
Evolutionary History ◽  
Phosphotransferase System ◽  
Evolving Systems ◽  
Evolutionary Pathways ◽  
Bacterial Phosphotransferase System ◽  
Insight Into

The bacterial phosphotransferase system (PTS) is a structurally and functionally complex system with a surprising evolutionary history. The substrate-recognizing protein constituents of the PTS (Enzymes II) derive from at least four independent sources. Some of the non-PTS precursor constituents have been identified, and evolutionary pathways taken have been proposed. Our analyses suggest that two of these independently evolving systems are still in transition, not yet having acquired the full-fledged characteristics of PTS Enzyme II complexes. The work described provides detailed insight into the process of catalytic protein evolution.

scholarly journals The Bacterial Phosphotransferase System: New Frontiers 50 Years after Its Discovery

2015 ◽  
Vol 25 (2-3) ◽  
pp. 73-78 ◽  
Author(s):  
Milton H. Saier Jr.
Keyword(s):  
Evolutionary History ◽  
Sugar Transport ◽  
Phosphotransferase System ◽  
Cellular Physiology ◽  
Protein Encoding ◽  
Complex Protein ◽  
Communication And Coordination ◽  
Bacterial Phosphotransferase System ◽  
Encoding Genes ◽  
Sugar Phosphorylation

In 1964, Kundig, Ghosh and Roseman reported the discovery of the phosphoenolpyruvate:sugar phosphotransferase system (PTS), which they subsequently proposed might catalyze sugar transport as well as sugar phosphorylation. What we have learned in the 50 years since its discovery is that, in addition to these primary functions, the PTS serves as a complex protein kinase system that regulates a wide variety of transport, metabolic and mutagenic processes as well as the expression of numerous genes. Recent operon- and genome-sequencing projects have revealed novel PTS protein-encoding genes, many of which have yet to be functionally defined. The current picture of the PTS is that of a complex system with ramifications in all aspects of cellular physiology. Moreover, its mosaic evolutionary history is unusual and intriguing. The PTS can be considered to serve many prokaryotes in capacities of communication and coordination, as do the nervous systems of animals.

scholarly journals First evidence of convergent lifestyle signal in reptile skull roof microanatomy

BMC Biology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Roy Ebel ◽  
Johannes Müller ◽  
Till Ramm ◽  
Christy Hipsley ◽  
Eli Amson
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sections ◽  
Convergent Evolution ◽  
Morphological Traits ◽  
Evolutionary History ◽  
Evolutionary Mechanisms ◽  
Skull Roof ◽  
Representative Subset ◽  
Evolutionary Pathways ◽  
Fundamental Insight ◽  
Insight Into

Abstract Background The study of convergently acquired adaptations allows fundamental insight into life’s evolutionary history. Within lepidosaur reptiles—i.e. lizards, tuatara, and snakes—a fully fossorial (‘burrowing’) lifestyle has independently evolved in most major clades. However, despite their consistent use of the skull as a digging tool, cranial modifications common to all these lineages are yet to be found. In particular, bone microanatomy, although highly diagnostic for lifestyle, remains unexplored in the lepidosaur cranium. This constitutes a key gap in our understanding of their complexly interwoven ecology, morphology, and evolution. In order to bridge this gap, we reconstructed the acquisition of a fossorial lifestyle in 2813 lepidosaurs and assessed the skull roof compactness from microCT cross-sections in a representative subset (n = 99). We tested this and five macroscopic morphological traits for their convergent evolution. Results We found that fossoriality evolved independently in 54 lepidosaur lineages. Furthermore, a highly compact skull roof, small skull diameter, elongate cranium, and low length ratio of frontal and parietal were repeatedly acquired in concert with a fossorial lifestyle. Conclusions We report a novel case of convergence that concerns lepidosaur diversity as a whole. Our findings further indicate an early evolution of fossorial modifications in the amphisbaenian ‘worm-lizards’ and support a fossorial origin for snakes. Nonetheless, our results suggest distinct evolutionary pathways between fossorial lizards and snakes through different contingencies. We thus provide novel insights into the evolutionary mechanisms and constraints underlying amniote diversity and a powerful tool for the reconstruction of extinct reptile ecology.

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