Convergent Evolution of Cysteine-Rich Keratins in Hard Skin Appendages of Terrestrial Vertebrates

    November 2019 in “ Molecular biology and evolution ”
    Florian Ehrlich, Julia Lachner, Marcela Hermann, Erwin Tschachler, Leopold Eckhart
    Image of study
    TLDR Cysteine-rich keratins evolved independently in mammals, reptiles, and birds for hard skin structures like hair, claws, and feathers.
    The study demonstrated that cysteine-rich keratins, crucial for the structural integrity of hard skin appendages like hair and claws in mammals, also evolved independently in reptiles and birds. These keratins, termed hard acidic (HAS) and hard basic (HBS) sauropsid-specific keratins, were found in various reptiles and birds, with HBS1 keratin specifically expressed in chicken feathers. Molecular phylogenetics indicated that these keratins evolved through convergent evolution, suggesting that similar biomechanical functions in different clades' hard skin appendages arose independently. The findings proposed an evolutionary model where HAS and HBS keratins became structural proteins in reptiles, with at least one HBS keratin being co-opted into feathers post-divergence of birds from reptiles.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Research cited in this study

    15 / 15 results

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 35 results

      community Nothing's working, I feel depressed, also hopeless for the first time

      in Update  101 upvotes 3 years ago
      A user's experience with hair loss treatments, including Finasteride, Minoxidil, Nizoral Shampoo, Rosemary Oil, Vitamin D, Biotin, Vitamin C, Zinc and Dermarolling, that have not been successful over the past 14 months. Other users gave advice on how to cope with the issue, such as exercising, changing mindset, and shaving their head.

      community Fighting Hair loss AND Grey Hair

      in Treatment  19 upvotes 3 years ago
      The user is treating hair loss with topical Minoxidil, Finasteride, RU58841, microneedling, and Ketoconazole. For grey hair, they use L-Cysteine, L-Methionine, and PABA, and have noticed some re-pigmentation.

      community Any opinions on my progression

      in Progress Pictures  6 upvotes 1 year ago
      The user experienced hair loss starting at 19 and tried treatments like finasteride and minoxidil inconsistently. They later used dutasteride, PRP, and various hair loss lotions and supplements, but faced side effects and are unsure about continuing treatment.

      community Best science-backed supplements for androgenetic alopecia? Looking for real evidence

      in Research/Science  2 upvotes 1 month ago
      The conversation discusses treatments for androgenetic alopecia, focusing on evidence-based supplements to complement finasteride. Suggestions include oral minoxidil, saw palmetto, pumpkin seed oil, tocotrienols, and various other supplements, while emphasizing the importance of scientific backing and cautioning against saw palmetto if already using finasteride.

    Related Research

    1 / 1 results