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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Evolutionary History of Arabidopsis thaliana Aminoacyl-tRNA Synthetase Dual-Targeted Proteins

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Author(s):
Brandao, Marcelo M. [1] ; Silva-Filho, Marcio C. [1]
Total Authors: 2
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Genet, Escola Super Agr Luiz de Queiroz, Piracicaba, SP - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 1
Document type: Journal article
Source: Molecular Biology and Evolution; v. 28, n. 1, p. 79-85, JAN 2011.
Web of Science Citations: 11
Abstract

Aminoacyl-transfer RNA (tRNA) synthetases (aaRS) are key players in translation and act early in protein synthesis by mediating the attachment of amino acids to their cognate tRNA molecules. In plants, protein synthesis may occur in three subcellular compartments (cytosol, mitochondria, and chloroplasts), which requires multiple versions of the protein to be correctly delivered to its proper destination. The organellar aaRS are nuclear encoded and equipped with targeting information at the N-terminal sequence, which enables them to be specifically translocated to their final location. Most of the aaRS families present organellar proteins that are dual targeted to mitochondria and chloroplasts. Here, we examine the dual targeting behavior of aaRS from an evolutionary perspective. Our results show that Arabidopsis thaliana aaRS sequences are a result of a horizontal gene transfer event from bacteria. However, there is no evident bias indicating one single ancestor (Cyanobacteria or Proteobacteria). The dual-targeted aaRS phylogenetic relationship was characterized into two different categories (paralogs and homologs) depending on the state recovered for both dual-targeted and cytosolic proteins. Taken together, our results suggest that the dual-targeted condition is a gain-of-function derived from gene duplication. Selection may have maintained the original function in at least one of the copies as the additional copies diverged. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 05/54618-9 - Deciphering the molecular mechanisms involved in intracell location of proteins in plants
Grantee:Márcio de Castro Silva Filho
Support type: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
FAPESP's process: 08/52067-3 - Herbivory and intracellular transport of proteins
Grantee:Márcio de Castro Silva Filho
Support type: Program for Research on Bioenergy (BIOEN) - Thematic Grants