Proteomics in evolutionary ecology.

摘要: Evolutionary ecologists are traditionally gene-focused, as genes propagate phenotypic traits across generations and mutations recombination in the DNA generate genetic diversity required for evolutionary processes. As a consequence, inheritance of changed provides molecular explanation functional changes associated with natural selection. A direct focus on proteins other hand, actual agents responsible expression trait, receives far less interest from biologists. This is partially due to central dogma biology that appears define 'dead-end information flow' well technical limitations identifying studying their field many more exotic genera often favored ecological studies. Here we provide an overview newly forming research refer 'Evolutionary Proteomics'. We point out origins cellular function related properties polypeptide RNA interactions environment, rather than descent, critical role horizontal gene transfer evolution about coopting new impact processes it modifying function. Furthermore, post-transcriptional post-translational remarkable mature single gene, these can also influence through perhaps epigenetic mechanisms. The diversification could novel mechanistic underpinning elements rapid, directed adaptations observed variety Modern state-of art technologies based mass spectrometry now available identify quantify peptides, proteins, protein modifications high accuracy assess Therefore, proteomic be viewed providing biologist exciting opportunities understand very early events variation machinery acting part