Abstract
The genome of the sea anemone Nematostella vectensis (Nv) (Cnidaria, Anthozoa) was sequenced recently (Putnam et al., Science 317: 86, 2007). In the current study, 22 proteins of Nv were identified as putative phospholipases A 2 (PLA 2) that showed up to 40–50% sequence identity with secreted or intracellular PLA 2s including those of humans. Nv1–Nv6 PLA 2s have identity with secreted human group (G)IB and GIIA PLA 2s and PLA 2s of the sea anemones Adamsia carciniopados and Urticina crassicornis. Nv7 and Nv8 PLA 2s have identity with human and bee venom GIII PLA 2s and Nv9 PLA 2 with GXIIA PLA 2. Nv10–Nv13 PLA 2s show identity with GIX PLA 2 of Conus magus and bacterial PLA 2s but no significant identity with any human PLA 2. Nv14 has identity with intracellular GIV PLA 2, Nv15 with GVII PLA 2, Nv16 and Nv17 with GVIII PLA 2, Nv18–Nv20 with GVI PLA 2, and Nv21 and Nv22 with patatin, respectively. The observations indicate that the cnidarian phospholipasome contains a rich array of orthologs of most types of animal PLA 2s, and that many of the PLA 2-driven vital functions prevail in these ancient metazoans. Cnidarian PLA 2s may be considered as evolutionary precursors of PLA 2s of higher animals.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part D: Genomics and Proteomics
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
