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A novel MSMB-related microprotein in the postovulatory egg coats of marsupials.
- Source :
-
BMC evolutionary biology [BMC Evol Biol] 2011 Dec 30; Vol. 11, pp. 373. Date of Electronic Publication: 2011 Dec 30. - Publication Year :
- 2011
-
Abstract
- Background: Early marsupial conceptuses differ markedly from those of eutherian mammals, especially during cleavage and early blastocyst stages of development. Additionally, in marsupials the zona pellucida is surrounded by two acellular layers, the mucoid coat and shell, which are formed from secretions from the reproductive tract.<br />Results: We report the identification of a novel postovulatory coat component in marsupials, which we call uterinesecreted microprotein (USM). USM belongs to a family of disulfide-rich microproteins of unconfirmed function that is found throughout deuterostomes and in some protostomes, and includes β-microseminoprotein (MSMB) and prostate-associated microseminoprotein (MSMP). We describe the evolution of this family in detail, including USM-related sequences in other vertebrates. The orthologue of USM in the tammar wallaby, USM1, is expressed by the endometrium with a dynamic temporal profile, possibly under the control of progesterone.<br />Conclusions: USM appears to have evolved in a mammalian ancestor specifically as a component of the postovulatory coats. By analogy with the known properties of MSMB, it may have roles in regulating sperm motility/survival or in the immune system. However, its C-terminal domain is greatly truncated compared with MSMB, suggesting a divergent function.
- Subjects :
- Amino Acid Sequence
Animals
Base Sequence
Egg Proteins metabolism
Female
Macropodidae
Marsupialia genetics
Molecular Sequence Data
Multigene Family
Ovulation
Phylogeny
Prostatic Secretory Proteins
Protein Structure, Tertiary
Synteny
Egg Proteins genetics
Endometrium physiology
Evolution, Molecular
Marsupialia physiology
Zona Pellucida physiology
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1471-2148
- Volume :
- 11
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- BMC evolutionary biology
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 22208949
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2148-11-373