This web page was produced as an assignment for Genetics 564, an undergraduate capstone course at UW-Madison. https://genetics564.weebly.com/
What Is Homology?
Homology is the classification of features of organisms based on the shared last common ancestor for that trait. Homology can analyze proteins, DNA, various forms of RNA, anatomy, and developmental stages. [1] Each type can be used individually for something specific, or together to gain a wider picture of evolution. Historically, homology has been used to create phylogenic trees to look an evolutionary history. [2] Currently, this work with homology is being expanded and applied to comparative genomics research. This allows for a wide variety of species with similar anatomy, pathways, proteins, etc. to be used in research. [3]
Homologs of the Human DBT Gene
Homologene and BLASTp was used to identify homologs of the DBT protein. All homologs were previously characterized through and found on Homologene with the exception of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Loxodonta africana.
Homo Sapiens
P.troglodytes (Chimps) |
Loxodonta africana (Elephant)lipoamide acyltransferase component of branched-chain alpha-keto acid dehydrogenase complex, mitochondrial isoform X1
Accession Number: XP_010587809 Length: 482 a.a. Identity: 90.46% |
Mus MusculusD. Rerio (Zebrafish) |
C. EleganS. Cerevisiae (Yeast) |
Drosophila Melanogaster (Fruit Fly) |
Arabidopsis thaliana |
Discussion
The data found for homologs of DBT show that there are several other species that are highly homologous. Many are species that could be used in research. Of those, the mus musculus had the highest percent homology. (See model organisms page). The homologies among species allows for further interpretation through phylogenetic analysis and domain analysis.
References:
[1] University of Miami Biology. (n.d). Evidence of Evolution: Homology. Retrieved from: http://www.bio.miami.edu/dana/160/160S13_5.html
[2]Brigandt, I. (November 2011). Essay: Homology. Retrieved from: http://embryo.asu.edu/handle/10776/1754
[3] McCune, A. R., & Schimenti, J. C. (2012). Using genetic networks and homology to understand the evolution of phenotypic traits. Retrieved from:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3269019/
Homologene: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/homologene/1444
BLASTp: https://blast.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Blast.cgi
Images:
Header: National-Geographic-Photo-Ark-photo-by-Joel-Sartore-AAR.jpg
All other images linked
[1] University of Miami Biology. (n.d). Evidence of Evolution: Homology. Retrieved from: http://www.bio.miami.edu/dana/160/160S13_5.html
[2]Brigandt, I. (November 2011). Essay: Homology. Retrieved from: http://embryo.asu.edu/handle/10776/1754
[3] McCune, A. R., & Schimenti, J. C. (2012). Using genetic networks and homology to understand the evolution of phenotypic traits. Retrieved from:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3269019/
Homologene: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/homologene/1444
BLASTp: https://blast.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Blast.cgi
Images:
Header: National-Geographic-Photo-Ark-photo-by-Joel-Sartore-AAR.jpg
All other images linked