The ZIP-prion connection

The evolutionary origins of vertebrate prion genes had remained elusive until recently when multiple lines of evidence converged to the proposition that members of the prion gene family represent an ancient branch of a larger family of ZIP metal ion transporters. 1 A follow-up investigation which ex...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Prion 2012-09, Vol.6 (4), p.317-321
Main Authors: Ehsani, Sepehr, Mehrabian, Mohadeseh, Pocanschi, Cosmin L., Schmitt-Ulms, Gerold
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Binding
Biology
Bioscience
Calcium
Cancer
Cation Transport Proteins - analysis
Cation Transport Proteins - genetics
Cation Transport Proteins - metabolism
Cell
Cycle
evolution
Evolution, Molecular
Extra View
Humans
Landes
Models, Molecular
Organogenesis
prion
Prions - analysis
Prions - genetics
Prions - metabolism
Proteins
retrogene
zinc
Zinc - metabolism
ZIP metal ion transporter
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Summary:The evolutionary origins of vertebrate prion genes had remained elusive until recently when multiple lines of evidence converged to the proposition that members of the prion gene family represent an ancient branch of a larger family of ZIP metal ion transporters. 1 A follow-up investigation which explored the mechanism of evolution in more detail led to the surprising conclusion that the emergence of the prion founder gene likely involved the reverse transcription of a spliced transcript of a LIV-1 ZIP predecessor gene. 2 The objective of this perspective is to discuss the possible significance of this reunion of ZIP and prion gene subfamilies for understanding the biology of the prion protein in health and disease. While a recent review article broadly introduced this area of research, 3 the emphasis here is to comment on some of the more pertinent concepts, experimental paradigms, ongoing developments and challenges.
ISSN:1933-6896
1933-690X
DOI:10.4161/pri.20196