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Characterization of a C3-like cDNA in a coral: phylogenetic implications

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Abstract

C3, C4, and C5 are thiolester-containing proteins (TEPs) of vertebrate complement. The identification of the molecular origin of the TEP family, and more specifically the ancestor protein of complement components C3, C4, and C5, remains a fundamental question. The prevailing paradigm suggests that duplication and divergence of these proteins occurred after the deuterostome split in phylogeny. It is believed that the ancestor of thiolester-containing complement proteins was alpha-2-macroglobulin (A2M)-like, a noncomplement-related protein. Here we describe a C3-like cDNA from a gorgonian coral, Swiftia exserta. This study provides evidence for the origins of a complement-related C3-like gene in the Precambrian period, predating both protostomes and deuterostomes. Furthermore, one may speculate that complement-like opsonic reactions were evolving at the earliest stages of metazoan evolution. This calls for a reassessment of the present concepts concerning the origins and evolution of TEPs.

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Acknowledgements

We thank Dr. M. Nonaka and Dr. M. Nakao for critical comments on an early version of the manuscript. M.L. Herrera, A.S. Goyos, and M. Gomez provided excellent technical assistance. This is contribution FIU-CII-001 from the FIU Comparative Immunology Institute.

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  1. Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, University Park Campus, 11200 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL, 33199, USA

    Larry J. Dishaw, Sylvia L. Smith & Charles H. Bigger

  2. Department of Molecular Genetics, All Children's Hospital and Children's Research Institute, University of South Florida, St. Petersburg, FL, 33701, USA

    Larry J. Dishaw

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  1. Larry J. Dishaw
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Correspondence to Sylvia L. Smith.

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Dishaw, L.J., Smith, S.L. & Bigger, C.H. Characterization of a C3-like cDNA in a coral: phylogenetic implications. Immunogenetics 57, 535–548 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00251-005-0005-1

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