Actin, actin-related proteins and profilin in diatoms: A comparative genomic analysis

Diatoms are heterokont unicellular algae with a widespread distribution throughout all aquatic habitats. Research on diatoms has advanced significantly over the last decade due to available genetic transformation methods and publicly available genome databases. Yet up to now, proteins involved in th...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Marine genomics 2015-10, Vol.23, p.133-142
Main Authors: Aumeier, Charlotte, Polinski, Ellen, Menzel, Diedrik
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Actins - genetics
Actins - metabolism
Arp2/3 complex
Arp4
Diatoms - genetics
Diatoms - metabolism
Fragilariopsis cylindrus
Gene Expression Regulation - physiology
Genomics
Models, Molecular
Phaeodactylum tricornutum
Phylogeny
Profilins - genetics
Profilins - metabolism
Protein Conformation
Pseudo-nitzschia multiseries
Thalassiosira pseudonana
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Summary:Diatoms are heterokont unicellular algae with a widespread distribution throughout all aquatic habitats. Research on diatoms has advanced significantly over the last decade due to available genetic transformation methods and publicly available genome databases. Yet up to now, proteins involved in the regulation of the cytoskeleton in diatoms are largely unknown. Consequently, this work focuses on actin and actin-related proteins (ARPs) encoded in the diatom genomes of Thalassiosira pseudonana, Thalassiosira oceanica, Phaeodactylum tricornutum, Fragilariopsis cylindrus and Pseudo-nitzschia multiseries. Our comparative genomic study revealed that most diatoms possess only a single conventional actin and a small set of ARPs. Among these are the highly conserved cytoplasmic Arp1 protein and the nuclear Arp4 as well as Arp6. Diatom genomes contain genes coding for two structurally different homologues of Arp4 that might serve specific functions. All diatom species examined here lack ARP2 and ARP3 proteins, suggesting that diatoms are not capable of forming the Arp2/3 complex, which is essential in most eukaryotes for actin filament branching and plus-end dynamics. Interestingly, none of the sequenced representatives of the Bacillariophyta phylum code for profilin. Profilin is an essential actin-binding protein regulating the monomer actin pool and is involved in filament plus-end dynamics. This is the first report of organisms not containing profilin.
ISSN:1874-7787
1876-7478
DOI:10.1016/j.margen.2015.07.002