What is Homology?
Protein homology between organisms refers to the similarities between proteins from species to species. According to evolutionary theory, as the genomes of organisms evolve, the proteins that the genome codes for also evolve. Changes in the protein's phylogeny account for minor and major changes in the protein structure and function. Homology of proteins between species is done using BLAST algorithms. After alignment, scientists can begin studying the differences in a protein across species. [1]
Homologs of HCRT
Homo sapiens (humans) |
Mus musculus (mouse) |
Canis lupus familiaris (dog) |
Xenopus tropicalis (western clawed frog) |
Rattus norvegicus (rat) |
Danio Rerio (zebra fish) |
Discussion
After analysis of the human HCRT gene, many homologs were found in different organisms such as Canis lupus familiaris, Rattus norvegicus, mus musculus, Xenopus tropicalis, and Danio rerio. The protein BLAST algorithm showed that this protein evolved with vertebrate animals such as the organisms listed. These organisms are all potential model organisms for the study of Narcolepsy Type 1.
This page was produced as an assignment for Genetics 564, a capstone course at UW-Madison.