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Evolutionary significance of myosin heavy chain heterogeneity in birds
Author(s) -
Bandman Everett,
Rosser Benjamin W.C.
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
microscopy research and technique
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.536
H-Index - 118
eISSN - 1097-0029
pISSN - 1059-910X
DOI - 10.1002/1097-0029(20000915)50:6<473::aid-jemt5>3.0.co;2-r
Subject(s) - myosin , quail , biology , evolutionary biology , function (biology) , heavy chain , gene , genetics , ecology , microbiology and biotechnology
This article reviews the complexity, expression, genetics, regulation, function, and evolution of the avian myosin heavy chain (MyHC). The majority of pertinent studies thus far published have focussed on domestic chicken and, to a much lesser extent, Japanese quail. Where possible, information available about wild species has also been incorporated into this review. While studies of additional species might modify current interpretations, existing data suggest that some fundamental properties of myosin proteins and genes in birds are unique among higher vertebrates. We compare the characteristics of myosins in birds to those of mammals, and discuss potential molecular mechanisms and evolutionary forces that may explain how avian MyHCs acquired these properties. Microsc. Res. Tech. 50:473–491, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.