Convergent evolution in primates and an insectivore
The cardiovascular risk factor apolipoprotein(a) (apo(a)) has a puzzling distribution among mammals, its presence being limited to a subset of primates and a member of the insectivore lineage, the hedgehog. To explore the evolutionary history of apo(a), we performed extensive genomic sequence comparisons of multiple species with and without an apo(a) gene product, such as human, baboon, hedgehog, lemurand mouse. This analysis indicated that apo(a) arose independently in a subset of primates, including baboon and human, and an insectivore, the hedgehog, and was not simply lost by species lacking it. The similar structural domains shared by the hedgehog and primate apo(a) indicate that they were formed by a unique molecular mechanism involving the convergent evolution of paralogous genes in these distantspecies.
- Research Organization:
- Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. (LBNL), Berkeley, CA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Director, Office of Science; National Institutes of Health (NIH)
- DOE Contract Number:
- DE-AC02-05CH11231; NIHHL66728
- OSTI ID:
- 917811
- Report Number(s):
- LBNL-52679; GNMCEP; R&D Project: 863V2A; BnR: 400412000; TRN: US200817%%884
- Journal Information:
- Genomics, Vol. 83, Issue 1; Conference: 01/2004; Related Information: Journal Publication Date: 01/2004; ISSN 0888-7543
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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