Evolution of protein structures and functions

Curr Opin Struct Biol. 2002 Jun;12(3):400-8. doi: 10.1016/s0959-440x(02)00338-x.

Abstract

Within the ever-expanding repertoire of known protein sequences and structures, many examples of evolving three-dimensional structures are emerging that illustrate the plasticity and robustness of protein folds. The mechanisms by which protein folds change often include the fusion of duplicated domains, followed by divergence through mutation. Such changes reflect both the stability of protein folds and the requirements of protein function.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Motifs
  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Evolution, Molecular*
  • Humans
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Protein Folding
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Proteins / chemistry*
  • Proteins / genetics
  • Proteins / physiology*

Substances

  • Proteins