Function and evolution of vertebrate globins

摘要: Globins are haem-proteins that bind O2 and thus play an important role in the animal's respiration oxidative energy production. However, globins may also have other functions such as decomposition or production of NO, detoxification reactive oxygen species intracellular signalling. In addition to well-investigated haemoglobins myoglobins, genome sequence analyses led identification six further globin types vertebrates: androglobin, cytoglobin, E, X, Y neuroglobin. Here, we review present state knowledge on functions, taxonomic distribution evolution vertebrate globins, drawing conclusions about functional changes underlying present-day diversity.