Pregnancy-specific glycoproteins: evolution, expression, functions, and disease associations.

Reproduction ◽  
2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tom Moore ◽  
John M Williams ◽  
Maria Angeles Becerra-Rodriguez ◽  
Matthew Dunne ◽  
Robert Kammerer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Families ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Protein Domain ◽  
Immunoglobulin Superfamily ◽  
Maternal Circulation ◽  
Highly Active ◽  
Domain Structures ◽  
Disease Associations ◽  
Number Variation ◽  
Multiple Species

Pregnancy-specific glycoproteins (PSGs) are members of the immunoglobulin superfamily and are closely related to the predominantly membrane-bound CEACAM proteins. PSGs are produced by placental trophoblasts and secreted into the maternal bloodstream at high levels where they may regulate maternal immune and vascular functions through receptor binding and modulation of cytokine and chemokine expression and activity. PSGs may have autocrine and paracrine functions in the placental bed, and PSGs can activate soluble and extracellular matrix bound TGF-β, with potentially diverse effects on multiple cell types. PSGs are also found at high levels in the maternal circulation, at least in human, where they may have endocrine functions. In a non-reproductive context, PSGs are expressed in the gastrointestinal tract and their deregulation may be associated with colorectal cancer and other diseases. Like many placental hormones, PSGs are encoded by multigene families and they have an unusual phylogenetic distribution, being found predominantly in species with hemochorial placentation, with the notable exception of the horse in which PSG-like proteins are expressed in the endometrial cups of the epitheliochorial placenta. The evolution and expansion of PSG gene families appears to be a highly active process, with significant changes in gene numbers and protein domain structures in different mammalian lineages, and reports of extensive copy number variation at the human locus. Against this apparent diversification, the available evidence indicates extensive conservation of PSG functions in multiple species. These observations are consistent with maternal-fetal conflict underpinning the evolution of PSGs.

scholarly journals HOT or not: examining the basis of high-occupancy target regions

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katarzyna Wreczycka ◽  
Vedran Franke ◽  
Bora Uyar ◽  
Ricardo Wurmus ◽  
Altuna Akalin
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Factor ◽  
Transcription Factors ◽  
Binding Sites ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Data Sets ◽  
Gene Promoters ◽  
Quadruplex Dna ◽  
Golden Standard ◽  
Multiple Cell ◽  
Multiple Species

AbstractHigh-occupancy target (HOT) regions are the segments of the genome with unusually high number of transcription factor binding sites. These regions are observed in multiple species and thought to have biological importance due to high transcription factor occupancy. Furthermore, they coincide with house-keeping gene promoters and the associated genes are stably expressed across multiple cell types. Despite these features, HOT regions are solemnly defined using ChIP-seq experiments and shown to lack canonical motifs for transcription factors that are thought to be bound there. Although, ChIP-seq experiments are the golden standard for finding genome-wide binding sites of a protein, they are not noise free. Here, we show that HOT regions are likely to be ChIP-seq artifacts and they are similar to previously proposed “hyper-ChIPable” regions. Using ChIP-seq data sets for knocked-out transcription factors, we demonstrate presence of false positive signals on HOT regions. We observe sequence characteristics and genomic features that are discriminatory of HOT regions, such as GC/CpG-rich k-mers and enrichment of RNA-DNA hybrids (R-loops) and DNA tertiary structures (G-quadruplex DNA). The artificial ChIP-seq enrichment on HOT regions could be associated to these discriminatory features. Furthermore, we propose strategies to deal with such artifacts for the future ChIP-seq studies.

scholarly journals Understanding the Early Evolutionary Stages of a Tandem Drosophilamelanogaster-Specific Gene Family: A Structural and Functional Population Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 37 (9) ◽  
pp. 2584-2600 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bryan D Clifton ◽  
Jamie Jimenez ◽  
Ashlyn Kimura ◽  
Zeinab Chahine ◽  
Pablo Librado ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Family ◽  
Sequence Similarity ◽  
Gene Families ◽  
Read Depth ◽  
Specific Gene ◽  
Protein Variant ◽  
Protein Coding ◽  
Expression Levels ◽  
Number Variation ◽  
Reference Quality

Abstract Gene families underlie genetic innovation and phenotypic diversification. However, our understanding of the early genomic and functional evolution of tandemly arranged gene families remains incomplete as paralog sequence similarity hinders their accurate characterization. The Drosophila melanogaster-specific gene family Sdic is tandemly repeated and impacts sperm competition. We scrutinized Sdic in 20 geographically diverse populations using reference-quality genome assemblies, read-depth methodologies, and qPCR, finding that ∼90% of the individuals harbor 3–7 copies as well as evidence of population differentiation. In strains with reliable gene annotations, copy number variation (CNV) and differential transposable element insertions distinguish one structurally distinct version of the Sdic region per strain. All 31 annotated copies featured protein-coding potential and, based on the protein variant encoded, were categorized into 13 paratypes differing in their 3′ ends, with 3–5 paratypes coexisting in any strain examined. Despite widespread gene conversion, the only copy present in all strains has functionally diverged at both coding and regulatory levels under positive selection. Contrary to artificial tandem duplications of the Sdic region that resulted in increased male expression, CNV in cosmopolitan strains did not correlate with expression levels, likely as a result of differential genome modifier composition. Duplicating the region did not enhance sperm competitiveness, suggesting a fitness cost at high expression levels or a plateau effect. Beyond facilitating a minimally optimal expression level, Sdic CNV acts as a catalyst of protein and regulatory diversity, showcasing a possible evolutionary path recently formed tandem multigene families can follow toward long-term consolidation in eukaryotic genomes.

scholarly journals Ovine Herpesvirus 2 Encodes a Previously Unrecognized Protein, pOv8.25, That Targets Mitochondria and Triggers Apoptotic Cell Death

2020 ◽  
Vol 94 (8) ◽  
Author(s):  
Neeta Shrestha ◽  
Kurt Tobler ◽  
Stephanie Uster ◽  
Romina Sigrist-Nagy ◽  
Melanie Michaela Hierweger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Death ◽  
Apoptotic Cell ◽  
Genetic Locus ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Common Denominator ◽  
Malignant Catarrhal Fever ◽  
Highly Active ◽  
Affected Tissue ◽  
Bovine Lymphocytes ◽  
Apoptosis And Necrosis

ABSTRACT Malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) is a rare but frequently lethal disease of certain cloven-hoofed animals. At least 10 different viruses, all members of the Macavirus genus in the subfamily Gammaherpesvirinae, are known as causative agents of MCF. Among these, ovine herpesvirus 2 (OvHV-2) is the most frequent and economically most important MCF agent. Phenotypically, MCF is characterized by severe lymphocytic arteritis-periarteritis, which leads to the accumulation of activated lymphocytes accompanied by apoptosis and necrosis in a broad range of tissues. However, a viral factor that might be responsible for tissue damage has not yet been identified. We have studied a seemingly intergenic locus on the OvHV-2 genome, which was previously shown to be transcriptionally highly active in MCF-affected tissue. We identified by 5′ and 3′ rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) a conserved, double-spliced transcript that encoded a 9.9-kDa hydrophobic protein. The newly detected gene, Ov8.25, and its splicing pattern were conserved among OvHV-2 strains of different origins. Upon transient expression of synthetic variants of this gene in various cell types, including bovine lymphocytes, the protein (pOv8.25) was shown to target mitochondria, followed by caspase-dependent apoptosis and necrosis. Notably, a deletion mutant of the same protein lost these abilities. Finally, we detected pOv8.25 in brain-infiltrating lymphocytes of cattle with MCF. Thus, the cell death-causing properties of pOv8.25 in affected cells may be involved in the emergence of typical MCF-associated apoptosis and necrosis. Thus, we have identified a novel OvHV-2 protein, which might contribute to the phenotype of MCF-related lesions. IMPORTANCE Ovine herpesvirus 2 (OvHV-2) circulates among sheep without causing disease. However, upon transmission to cattle, the same virus instigates a frequently lethal disease, malignant catarrhal fever (MCF). While the cause of death and pathogenesis of tissue lesions are still poorly understood, MCF is characterized by the accumulation of lymphocytes in various tissues, associated with vasculitis and cell death. As infectious virus is hardly present in these lesions, the cause of cell death cannot be explained simply by viral replication. The significance of our research is in identifying and characterizing a previously overlooked gene of OvHV-2 (Ov8.25), which is highly expressed in animals with MCF. Its encoded protein targets mitochondria, causing apoptosis and necrosis, thus contributing to an understanding of the source and nature of cell death. As the corresponding genetic locus is also active in the context of MCF due to a different macavirus, we may have detected a common denominator of the disease phenotype.

scholarly journals In Silico Genome-Wide Analysis of the ATP-Binding Cassette Transporter Gene Family in Soybean (Glycine max L.) and Their Expression Profiling

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Awdhesh Kumar Mishra ◽  
Jinhee Choi ◽  
Muhammad Fazle Rabbee ◽  
Kwang-Hyun Baek
Keyword(s):  
Gene Family ◽  
Abc Transporter ◽  
Abc Transporters ◽  
In Silico ◽  
Gene Families ◽  
Protein Domain ◽  
Atp Binding ◽  
Transporter Gene ◽  
Genome Wide ◽  
Atp Binding Cassette

ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters constitute one of the largest gene families in all living organisms, most of which mediate transport across biological membranes by hydrolyzing ATP. However, detailed studies of ABC transporter genes in the important oil crop, soybean, are still lacking. In the present study, we carried out genome-wide identification and phylogenetic and transcriptional analyses of the ABC gene family in G. max. A total of 261 G. max ABC (GmABCs) genes were identified and unevenly localized onto 20 chromosomes. Referring to protein-domain orientation and phylogeny, the GmABC family could be classified into eight (ABCA-ABCG and ABCI) subfamilies and ABCG were the most abundantly present. Further, investigation of whole genome duplication (WGD) signifies the role of segmental duplication in the expansion of the ABC transporter gene family in soybean. The Ka/Ks ratio indicates that several duplicated genes are governed by intense purifying selection during evolution. In addition, in silico expression analysis based on RNA-sequence using publicly available database revealed that ABC transporters are differentially expressed in tissues and developmental stages and in dehydration. Overall, we provide an extensive overview of the GmABC transporter gene family and it promises the primary basis for the study in development and response to dehydration tolerance.

scholarly journals A Highly Active Homeobox Gene Promoter Regulated by Ets and Sp1 Family Members in Normal Granulosa Cells and Diverse Tumor Cell Types

2002 ◽  
Vol 277 (29) ◽  
pp. 26036-26045 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manjeet K. Rao ◽  
Sourindra Maiti ◽  
Honnavara N. Ananthaswamy ◽  
Miles F. Wilkinson
Keyword(s):  
Tumor Cell ◽  
Granulosa Cells ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Homeobox Gene ◽  
Gene Promoter ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Highly Active

scholarly journals Clock-associated genes in Arabidopsis : a family affair

2001 ◽  
Vol 356 (1415) ◽  
pp. 1745-1753 ◽  
Author(s):  
David E. Somers
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Factor ◽  
Circadian Clock ◽  
Gene Families ◽  
Forward Genetics ◽  
Pas Domain ◽  
Receiver Domain ◽  
Domain Structures ◽  
Two Component ◽  
Similarities And Differences ◽  
Signalling Systems

The identification of components of the plant circadian clock has been advanced recently with the success of two forward genetics approaches. The ZEITLUPE and TOC1 loci were cloned and each was found to be part of two separate, larger gene families with intriguing domain structures. The ZTL family of proteins contains a subclass of the PAS domain coupled to an F box and kelch motifs, suggesting that they play a role in a novel light–regulated ubiquitination mechanism. TOC1 shares similarity to the receiver domain of the well–known two–component phosphorelay signalling systems, combined with a strong similarity to a region of the CONSTANS transcription factor, which is involved in controlling flowering time. When added to the repertoire of previously identified clock–associated genes, it is clear that both similarities and differences with other circadian systems will emerge in the coming years.

scholarly journals Duplication of chickendefensin7gene generated by gene conversion and homologous recombination

2016 ◽  
Vol 113 (48) ◽  
pp. 13815-13820 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mi Ok Lee ◽  
Susanne Bornelöv ◽  
Leif Andersson ◽  
Susan J. Lamont ◽  
Junfeng Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Homologous Recombination ◽  
Copy Number Variation ◽  
Gene Conversion ◽  
Copy Number ◽  
Computational Prediction ◽  
Gene Families ◽  
Duplication Event ◽  
Promoter Regions ◽  
Large Gene ◽  
Number Variation

Defensins constitute an evolutionary conserved family of cationic antimicrobial peptides that play a key role in host innate immune responses to infection. Defensin genes generally reside in complex genomic regions that are prone to structural variation, and defensin genes exhibit extensive copy number variation in humans and in other species. Copy number variation of defensin genes was examined in inbred lines of Leghorn and Fayoumi chickens, and a duplication ofdefensin7was discovered in the Fayoumi breed. Analysis of junction sequences confirmed the occurrence of a simple tandem duplication ofdefensin7with sequence identity at the junction, suggesting nonallelic homologous recombination betweendefensin7anddefensin6. The duplication event generated two chimeric promoters that are best explained by gene conversion followed by homologous recombination. Expression ofdefensin7was not elevated in animals with two genes despite both genes being transcribed in the tissues examined. Computational prediction of promoter regions revealed the presence of several putative transcription factor binding sites generated by the duplication event. These data provide insight into the evolution and possible function of large gene families and specifically, the defensins.

scholarly journals APOBEC3G: an intracellular centurion

2008 ◽  
Vol 364 (1517) ◽  
pp. 689-703 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ya-Lin Chiu ◽  
Warner C Greene
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
Molecular Mass ◽  
T Cell Activation ◽  
Cd4 T Cells ◽  
Cell Activation ◽  
Protein Complexes ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Highly Active ◽  
Hiv 1

The intrinsic antiretroviral factor APOBEC3G (A3G) is highly active against HIV-1 and other retroviruses. In different cell types, A3G is expressed in high-molecular-mass (HMM) RNA–protein complexes or low-molecular-mass (LMM) forms displaying different biological activities. In resting CD4 T cells, a LMM form of A3G potently restricts HIV-1 infection soon after virion entry. However, when T cells are activated, LMM A3G is recruited into HMM complexes that include Staufen-containing RNA granules. These complexes are probably nucleated by the induced expression of Alu/hY retroelement RNAs that accompany T-cell activation. HMM A3G sequesters these retroelement RNAs away from the nuclear long interspersed nuclear element-derived enzymes required for Alu/hY retrotransposition. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) exploits this ‘window of opportunity’ provided by the loss of LMM A3G in activated CD4 T cells to productively infect these cells. During HIV virion formation, newly synthesized LMM A3G is preferentially encapsidated but only under conditions where Vif is absent and thus not able to target A3G for proteasome-mediated degradation. Together, these findings highlight the discrete functions of the different forms of A3G. LMM A3G opposes the external threat posed by exogenous retroviruses, while HMM A3G complexes oppose the internal threat posed by the retrotransposition of select types of retroelements.

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