Metazoan-like signaling in a unicellular receptor tyrosine kinase

Conclusions:
Our results are consistent with a model in which RTKB2 activation stimulates receptor autophosphorylation within the RM2 domains. This leads to recruitment of Src-like kinases (and potentially other M. brevicollis proteins) and further phosphorylation, which may serve to increase or dampen downstream signals. Thus, crucial features of signal transduction circuitry were established prior to the evolution of metazoans from their unicellular ancestors.

Source: BMC Biochemistry - February 12, 2013 Category: Biochemistry Authors: Kira SchultheissBarbara CraddockMichael TongMarkus SeeligerW Miller Source Type: research