Study of Mammalian Protein Complexes
Author Information
Author(s): Wong Philip, Althammer Sonja, Hildebrand Andrea, Kirschner Andreas, Pagel Philipp, Geissler Bernd, Smialowski Pawel, Blöchl Florian, Oesterheld Matthias, Schmidt Thorsten, Strack Normann, Theis Fabian J, Ruepp Andreas, Frishman Dmitrij
Primary Institution: Helmholtz Center Munich
Hypothesis
The organization of mammalian protein complexes is influenced by evolutionary constraints.
Conclusion
The study found that as the complexity of a protein complex increases, the number of such complexes and the mean substitution ratio of associated genes tend to decrease.
Supporting Evidence
- As the complexity of a protein complex increases, the number of such complexes tends to decrease.
- Greater homogeneity in predicted protein properties was observed in annotated versus randomly generated complexes.
- Large proteins interact preferentially with much smaller proteins.
- Complexes with more unique proteins have a significantly smaller mean dN/dS ratios.
- Proteins participating in more complexes have significantly lower dN/dS ratios.
- Complexes with more than 15 proteins and mean dN/dS ratios below 0.07 are absent in random complex sets.
- Highly complex complexes tend to conserve their orthologs.
Takeaway
This study looks at how proteins work together in groups and how their complexity affects their evolution.
Methodology
The study combined data from various databases to analyze over 2700 mammalian protein complexes and their characteristics.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from the selection of protein complexes and the methods used for data collection.
Limitations
The conclusions are based on a limited sample of complexes and may not represent all mammalian protein complexes.
Participant Demographics
The study focused on mammalian species including human, mouse, rat, dog, rabbit, cow, and pig.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<3.1 × 10-7
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website