Expansions of ependymin-related proteins in diverse invertebrate taxa and their co-option into novel functions

摘要: Ependymins are fish-specific glycoproteins that play key roles in CNS plasticity and memory formation. Almost a decade ago it was revealed these ependymins evolved from related group of proteins comprising both vertebrate invertebrate members, however the function ependymin-related (Epdrs) remains unknown. We have systematically identified Epdrs whole genomes transcriptomes to build broad picture distribution genes across Metazoa. find encoding commonly lost, not any members ecdysozoan species examined date. also this gene family has undergone significant expansions other taxa, including cephalochordate amphioxus, brachiopod Lingula, molluscs Crassostrea, Lottia, Pinctada Haliotis, echinoderm, Acanthaster planci, placozoan Trichoplax sponge Amphimedon. investigate functions expanded Epdr complements different they diverse, lineage-specific roles, such as shell patterning alarm response Acanthaster. Along with originally described role ependymin CNS, range reported here reveals is particularly amenable co-option into novel roles.