ISSN:
1432-1432
Keywords:
Intermediate filaments
;
Gene families
;
DNA sequence
;
Tandem duplication
;
Protein domains
;
Glycine-rich regions
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Summary Intermediate filaments are composed of a family of proteins that evolved from a common ancestor. The proteins consist of three domains: a central, alpha-helical domain similar in all intermediate filaments, bracketed by two domains that are variable in length and structure. Within the intermediate-filament family, several subfamilies have been recognized by immunologic and nucleic acid hybridization techniques. In this paper we present the sequence of the genomic DNA coding for a 65-kilodalton human keratin and compare it with the sequences of other intermediate-filament proteins. While the central, alpha-helical domains of these proteins show homologies that indicate a common ancestor, the sequences of the variable terminal domains indicate that the variable domains evolved through a series of tandem duplications and possibly by gene-conversion mechanisms.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF02134130
