Characterization of antimicrobial peptides in anuran genomes through orthologs and phylogenetic analysis

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are vital components of the innate immune system, with cathelicidins standing out due to their broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties. This study explores the diversity and molecular evolution of cathelicidins across 27 anuran species, spanning 13 families. Utilizing data from extensive genomic initiatives like the Vertebrate Genomes Project (VGP), 187 cathelicidin-like sequences within a single orthogroup were identified , highlighting significant gene duplication events that have driven the diversification of this gene family. Also, phylogenetic analyses, supported by both maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference methods, indicate that cathelicidins have evolved under intense evolutionary pressures, leading to diversification that may enhance anurans' ability to combat pathogens. The study underscores the value of large-scale genomic projects in providing the high-quality data necessary for in-depth evolutionary research. Future directions should include the functional characterization of these peptides, further species inclusion, and experimental validation of conserved domains to deepen our understanding of their roles in immune defense.

• Autores: Dix Polo, Juliana
• Tipo de recurso: Trabajo de grado de pregrado
• Fecha de publicación: 2024
• Institución: Universidad de los Andes
• Repositorio: Séneca: repositorio Uniandes
• Idioma: eng
• OAI Identifier: oai:repositorio.uniandes.edu.co:1992/74998
• Acceso en línea: https://hdl.handle.net/1992/74998
• Palabra clave: Anuran phylogeny; Cathelicidins; Antimicrobial peptides; Gene duplication; Phylogenetic diversification; Immune defense; Biología
• Rights: openAccess
• License: Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International