Abstract
BackgroundThe S100A7 gene, also called psoriasin, was first described as an upregulated protein in psoriatic skin. For the past years, the importance of this protein as a key effector of innate immunity has been clearly established, not only due to its importance protecting against bacteria skin insult in humans, but also because of its important role in amplifying inflammatory processes. Given the importance of S100A7 in host defense, S100A7 genes have been mostly studied in humans. Here we provide a detailed analysis of the evolution of the gene family encoding for the S100A7 protein in mammals.ResultsExamination of several mammalian genomes revealed an unexpected variation in the copy number of S100A7. Among the most representative mammalian groups, we report that multiple events of duplication, gene loss and high mutation rates are shaping the evolution of this gene family. An unexpected result comes from Myotis species (order Chiroptera), where we found an outstanding S100A7 gene radiation, resulting in more than 10 copies in M. lucifugus and 5 copies in M. brandtii. These findings suggest a unique adaptive road in these species and are suggestive of special role of this protein in their immune system.ConclusionsWe found different evolutionary histories among different mammalian groups. Overall, our results suggest that this gene family is evolving under the birth-and-death model of evolution. To our knowledge, this work represents the first detailed analysis of phylogenetic relationships of S100A7 within mammals and therefore will pave the way to further clarify their unique function in the immune system.
Highlights
The S100 Calcium Binding Protein A7 (S100A7) gene, called psoriasin, was first described as an upregulated protein in psoriatic skin
S100A7 was first identified as an upregulated protein in psoriatic keratinocytes, having an important role in hyperplasia and in inflammatory processes observed in psoriatic skin lesions [2]
S100A7 genes are located in the epidermal differentiation complex (EDC) on chromosome 1q21 that comprises several other genes predominantly expressed in the skin [18, 19]
Summary
The S100A7 gene, called psoriasin, was first described as an upregulated protein in psoriatic skin. The importance of this protein as a key effector of innate immunity has been clearly established, due to its importance protecting against bacteria skin insult in humans, and because of its important role in amplifying inflammatory processes. Given the importance of S100A7 in host defense, S100A7 genes have been mostly studied in humans. S100A7 was first identified as an upregulated protein in psoriatic keratinocytes, having an important role in hyperplasia and in inflammatory processes observed in psoriatic skin lesions [2]. Along with its ability to enhance the host defense functions at sites of infection and inflammation, S100A7 has been considered a key effector of innate immunity. The largest number of S100A7 copies was described in primates, with Homo sapiens having three functional genes and two nonfunctional [20]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
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 call