"This web page was produced as an assignment for Genetics 564, an undergraduate capstone course at UW-Madison."
introduction
What are protein domains?
Protein domains are functional areas of a protein. Domains often interact with other proteins or molecules, helping the protein function correctly (1). Proteins can have several or few protein domains. Conserved or similar protein domains can be found in homologous organisms, and can sometimes function differently (1). Proper protein folding and domain exposure is often necessary for a functional protein.
Results
Alpha synuclein protein domains
SNCA conservation
Discussion
The SNCA protein domain is well conserved throughout homologs. Several homologs have a 100% identity match with human SNCA, while many others share over 90% sequence identity. Human SNCA shows very high % identity (81%) with the coelacanth SNCA, a very ancient relative of the mammal. This shows that SNCA has been conserved throughout a large part of evolution.
References
1. What are protein domains?-EMBL-EBI. (2018). Retrieved from https://www.ebi.ac.uk/training/online/course/introduction-protein-classification-ebi/protein-classification/what-are-protein-domains
2. 'Coelacanth' Genome Unlocked-Scientific American. (August, 2013). Retrieved from: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/slow-evolving-lobe-finned-coelacanth-genome-unlocked/
Header photo: Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protein_domain
2. 'Coelacanth' Genome Unlocked-Scientific American. (August, 2013). Retrieved from: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/slow-evolving-lobe-finned-coelacanth-genome-unlocked/
Header photo: Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protein_domain