ITR:The Eukaryotic Core

Trustees Of Boston University, Boston

Investigators

Abstract

The origin of eukaryotes, organisms with distinct subcellular structures isolated by membranes, is a significant discussion in evolutionary biology. If Bacteria and Archaea are prokaryotic domains of life, then a core of eukaryotic signature proteins, having no detectable homology to known prokaryotic proteins should exist. Using both sequence-and sequence/structure based methods, this proposal will examine the phylogenetic origins of eukaryotic proteins. From initial students a preliminary candidate list of proteins has been assembled. Confirming or denying the membership of a protein or protein domain in the set is the goal of this work. Some of the required software, particularly Bayesian prior-based profiles and domain dissection tools have been begun. These will be refined for use in remote homology, where sequence similarity has virtually disappeared. The results of this study, which will be accessible in publication and web, will provide data to inform and constrain the theories about the origins of eukaryotes and the mechanisms of expansion of the eukaryotic proteome.