Molecular Biology and Evolution · 1997 · 119 citations · 10 references
Life SciencesBiochemistryMolecular BiologyCell AdhesionCell SignalingSignal TransductionAdhesion MoleculesCell Adhesion ReceptorsCell-matrix AdhesionIntegrin SignalingIntercellular CommunicationPorifera BiologyAdhesion ReceptorsCdna CloningCdna Library ConstructionIntegrin ReceptorsIntegrin-ligand BindingIntegrin-matrix InteractionsReceptorsSponge Anatomy
Integrins are prominent receptors known from vertebrates and the higher phyla of invertebrates. Until now, no evidence has been provided for the existence of integrins in the lowest Metazoa, the sponges (Porifera). We have isolated and characterized a cDNA clone encoding the alpha subunit of integrin from the marine sponge Geodia cydonium (GCINTEG). The open reading frame encodes a polypeptide of 1,086 residues (118 kDa). The intracellular domain features the sequence Tyr-Phe-x-Gly-Phe-Phe-x-Arg, which is different in one residue from the characteristic consensus pattern for integrin alpha subunits. We conclude that sponges, the oldest multicellular animal phylum, already utilize the structural elements which are required for a tuned and controlled interaction among cells, and between cells and the extracellular matrix.
10
2.2 Mb of contiguous nucleotide sequence from chromosome III of C. elegans
Richard K. Wilson, R. Ainscough, Kimberly Anderson et al. · Nature · 1994 · 1.5K citations
Monophyletic Origins of the Metazoa: an Evolutionary Link with Fungi
Patricia O. Wainright, Gregory Hinkle, Mitchell L. Sogin et al. · Science · 1993 · 670 citations