Open AccessDrosophila 60A gene, another transforming growth factor beta family member, is closely related to human bone morphogenetic proteins.
Author(s) -
Kristi A. Wharton,
Gerald H. Thomsen,
William M. Gelbart
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
proceedings of the national academy of sciences of the united states of america
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1091-6490
pISSN - 0027-8424
DOI - 10.1073/pnas.88.20.9214
Subject(s) - decapentaplegic , biology , gene duplication , gene , bone morphogenetic protein , drosophila melanogaster , genetics , gene product , transforming growth factor beta , peptide sequence , transcription factor , gene family , microbiology and biotechnology , signal transduction , gene expression , imaginal disc
The 60A gene, a member of the transforming growth factor beta superfamily of signaling proteins, has been identified in Drosophila melanogaster. From its inferred protein sequence we predict the precursor is secreted and processed to release a growth factor-like molecule. The 60A gene is expressed throughout development with peaks of transcription during early embryogenesis, in pupae, and in adult males. The putative 60A protein shows greater sequence similarity to three vertebrate family members (human bone morphogenetic proteins 5, 6, and 7) than to its only Drosophila relative, the protein product of the decapentaplegic (dpp) gene. This observation suggests that the duplication event that gave rise to the two transforming growth factor beta-like proteins in Drosophila predates the divergence of chordates and arthropods.