Computational model for pathway reconstruction to unravel the evolutionary significance of melanin synthesis |
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Authors: | Sudha Singh Anvita Gupta Malhotra Ajay Pandey Khushhali M Pandey |
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Institution: | 1Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, MANIT, Bhopal (M.P.) - 462051;2Department of Applied Mechanics, MANIT, Bhopal (M.P.) – 462051 |
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Abstract: | Melanogenesis is a complex multistep process of high molecular weight melanins production by hydroxylation and polymerization
of polyphenols. Melanins have a wide range of applications other than being a sun - protection pigment. Melanogenesis pathway
exists from prokaryotes to eukaryotes. It has evolved over years owing to the fact that the melanin pigment has different roles in
diverse taxa of organisms. Melanin plays a pivotal role in the existence of certain bacteria and fungi whereas in higher organisms it
is a measure of protection against the harmful radiation. We have done a detailed study on various pathways known for melanin
synthesis across species. It was divulged that melanin production is not restricted to tyrosine but there are other secondary
metabolites that synthesize melanin in lower organisms. Furthermore the phylogenetic study of these paths was done to
understand their molecular and cellular development. It has revealed that the melanin synthesis paths have co-evolved in several
groups of organisms. In this study, we also introduce a method for the comparative analysis of a metabolic pathway to study its
evolution based on similarity between enzymatic reactions. |
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Keywords: | Pathway alignment Melanogenesis Tyrosinase PPO Laccase Phylogenetic study Melanogenesis |
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