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Expansion and collapse of VEGF diversity in major clades of the animal kingdom.

Authors :
Rauniyar, Khushbu
Bokharaie, Honey
Jeltsch, Michael
Source :
Angiogenesis; Aug2023, Vol. 26 Issue 3, p437-461, 25p
Publication Year :
2023

Abstract

Together with the platelet-derived growth factors (PDGFs), the vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) form the PDGF/VEGF subgroup among cystine knot growth factors. The evolutionary relationships within this subgroup have not been examined thoroughly to date. Here, we comprehensively analyze the PDGF/VEGF growth factors throughout all animal phyla and propose a phylogenetic tree. Vertebrate whole-genome duplications play a role in expanding PDGF/VEGF diversity, but several limited duplications are necessary to account for the temporal pattern of emergence. The phylogenetically oldest PDGF/VEGF-like growth factor likely featured a C-terminus with a BR3P signature, a hallmark of the modern-day lymphangiogenic growth factors VEGF-C and VEGF-D. Some younger VEGF genes, such as VEGFB and PGF, appeared completely absent in important vertebrate clades such as birds and amphibia, respectively. In contrast, individual PDGF/VEGF gene duplications frequently occurred in fish on top of the known fish-specific whole-genome duplications. The lack of precise counterparts for human genes poses limitations but also offers opportunities for research using organisms that diverge considerably from humans. Sources for the graphical abstract: 326 MYA and older [1]; 72–240 MYA [2]; 235–65 MYA [3] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
09696970
Volume :
26
Issue :
3
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Angiogenesis
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
164783407
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10456-023-09874-9