LXR alpha and LXR beta Nuclear Receptors Evolved in the Common Ancestor of Gnathostomes

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2017

Authors

Fonseca, E (Author) Other; Ruivo, R (Author) Other; Lopes Marques, M (Author) Other; Zhang, HX (Author) Other; Santos, MM (Author) FCUP; Venkatesh, B (Author) Other; Filipe F C Castro (Author) FCUP

Journal

Title: Genome Biology and Evolution

Vol. 9

Pages: 222-230

ISSN: 1759-6653

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 11 Citations

Scopus - 12 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00M-JFY

DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evw305

Abstract (EN): Nuclear receptors (NRs) regulate numerous aspects of the endocrine system. They mediate endogenous and exogenous cues, ensuring a homeostatic control of development and metabolism. Gene duplication, loss and mutation have shaped the repertoire and function of NRs in metazoans. Here, we examine the evolution of a pivotal orchestrator of cholesterol metabolism in vertebrates, the liver X receptors (LXRs). Previous studies suggested that LXR alpha and LXR beta genes emerged in the mammalian ancestor. However, we show through genome analysis and functional assay that bona fide LXR alpha and LXR beta orthologues are present in reptiles, coelacanth and chondrichthyans but not in cyclostomes. These findings show that LXR duplicated before gnathostome radiation, followed by asymmetric paralogue loss in some lineages. We suggest that a tighter control of cholesterol levels in vertebrates was achieved through the exploitation of a wider range of oxysterols, an ability contingent on ligand-binding pocket remodeling.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 9