Madison Reporter

Researchers from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, led by Vatsan Raman, have uncovered the evolutionary trajectory of vital proteins responsible for controlling gene expression. The research, recently published in the journal Cell Systems, sheds light on the intricate process of protein evolution and its implications for cellular function.

The study revealed that proteins undergo a dynamic process of acquiring and losing functions as cells adapt to changes in their environment over time. Specifically, regulatory proteins, which play a crucial role in gene expression, exhibit a unique evolutionary pattern compared to other classes of proteins. While some proteins evolve gradually, regulatory proteins follow a pattern that safeguards them from performing multiple functions simultaneously, focusing on their essential role in controlling gene expression.

Raman and his team utilized computer modeling to map the evolution of a specific regulatory protein known as a transcriptional regulator. By analyzing hundreds of DNA sequences representing the protein's evolutionary history, the researchers identified a novel evolutionary pattern characterized by rapid changes in function following mutations. This rapid adaptation allows transcriptional regulators to maintain their singular role in binding to specific molecules, preventing them from assuming multiple roles simultaneously.

The significance of this research extends beyond understanding the evolution of transcriptional regulators. The findings suggest that similar evolutionary patterns may be observed in other regulatory proteins, providing valuable insights for the design of new regulators with diverse applications in biomedical and biotechnological fields.

This groundbreaking study, funded in part by the NIH Director’s New Innovator Award and the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, highlights the importance of unraveling the evolutionary pathways of proteins to enhance our understanding of biological processes and pave the way for innovative scientific discoveries.