ISSN:
1432-1432
Keywords:
Growth hormone
;
Prolactin
;
Placental lactogen
;
Pituitary hormones
;
Molecular evolution
;
Rate of evolution
;
Phylogenetic tree
;
Gene duplication
;
Amino acid sequences
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Summary Pituitary growth hormone and prolactin, together with the homologous placental hormones, comprise a family of related protein hormones. Complete or partial amino acid sequences of seven mammalian growth hormones, six mammalian prolactins and one placental lactogen are available, and have been compared. A phylogenetic tree has been constructed which describes the relationships within the family. At least two gene duplications have occurred during the evolution of these proteins. Rates of evolution in the family have been quite variable, the overall rate of evolution having been apparently fairly slow, but having increased markedly on several occasions, most notably in the evolution of human (and, on the basis of immunological relationships, probably other primate) growth hormones and rat (and possibly other rodent) prolactins.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01792419
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