Review: Evolution And Diversification Of Corneous Beta-Proteins, The Characteristic Epidermal Proteins Of Reptiles And Birds

December 2018 in “ Journal of Experimental Zoology Part B Molecular and Developmental Evolution ”

Karin Brigit Holthaus, Leopold Eckhart, Luisa Dalla Valle, Lorenzo Alibardi

TLDR Corneous beta-proteins evolved uniquely in reptiles and birds, forming scales, claws, beaks, and feathers.

The review discussed the evolution and diversification of corneous beta-proteins (CBPs), which are the primary epidermal proteins in reptiles and birds. Unlike intermediate filament keratins (IF-keratins) found in all amniotes, CBPs are unique to sauropsids and are encoded by genes within the epidermal differentiation complex (EDC). These proteins form the structural basis of scales, claws, beaks, and feathers in reptiles and birds. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that CBPs in lepidosaurians (lizards and snakes) and nonlepidosaurians (crocodilians, birds, and turtles) form distinct clades, which likely originated after these groups diverged in the Permian Period. The review provided a comprehensive overview of the molecular evolution of CBPs, highlighting their role in the formation of various epidermal structures in sauropsids.

View this study on doi.org →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

10 / 10 results

research Evolution of Trichocyte Keratins

18 citations, January 2018 in “Advances in experimental medicine and biology”

Hair keratins evolved from ancient proteins, diversifying through gene changes, crucial for forming claws and later hair in mammals.

Immunolocalization of a Histidine-Rich Epidermal Differentiation Protein in the Chicken Supports the Hypothesis of an Evolutionary Developmental Link Between the Embryonic Subperiderm and Feather Barbs and Barbules

research Immunolocalization of a Histidine-Rich Epidermal Differentiation Protein in the Chicken Supports the Hypothesis of an Evolutionary Developmental Link Between the Embryonic Subperiderm and Feather Barbs and Barbules

22 citations, December 2016 in “PloS one”

A specific protein in chicken embryos links early skin layers to feather development.

research Local Structure of Human Hair Spatially Resolved by Sub-Micron X-Ray Beam

24 citations, November 2015 in “Scientific reports”

Human hair has a new region with ordered filaments and the cuticle contains β-keratin sheets.

research Trichohyalin-Like Proteins Have Evolutionarily Conserved Roles in the Morphogenesis of Skin Appendages

68 citations, April 2014 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

Trichohyalin-like proteins are essential for the development of skin structures like hair, nails, and feathers.

research Bidirectional Binding Property of High Glycine–Tyrosine Keratin-Associated Protein Contributes to the Mechanical Strength and Shape of Hair

46 citations, June 2013 in “Journal of structural biology”

High glycine–tyrosine keratin-associated proteins help make hair strong and maintain its shape.

research Cell Death by Cornification

375 citations, June 2013 in “Biochimica et biophysica acta. Molecular cell research”

Cornification is how skin cells die to form the protective outer layer of skin, hair, and nails.

research A Review of Keratin-Based Biomaterials for Biomedical Applications

517 citations, February 2010 in “Materials”

Keratin from hair and wool is used in medical materials for healing and drug delivery.

research Evolution of Hard Proteins in the Sauropsid Integument in Relation to the Cornification of Skin Derivatives in Amniotes

86 citations, April 2009 in “Journal of anatomy”

Hard skin features like scales, feathers, and hair evolved through specific protein changes in different animal groups.

research Characterization of a First Domain of Human High Glycine-Tyrosine and High Sulfur Keratin-Associated Protein Genes on Chromosome 21q22.1

100 citations, December 2002 in “Journal of biological chemistry/The Journal of biological chemistry”

Researchers mapped and categorized specific keratin-associated protein genes on human chromosome 21q22.1.

research Epithelial Barrier Function: Assembly and Structural Features of the Cornified Cell Envelope

425 citations, August 2002 in “BioEssays”

The cornified cell envelope forms a protective barrier in skin and hair, using specific proteins and lipids to maintain effectiveness.

Related Research

2 / 2 results

research Evo Devo of the Vertebrate Integument

4 citations, June 2023 in “Journal of developmental biology”

The skin systems of jawed vertebrates evolved diverse appendages like hair and scales from a common structure over 420 million years ago.

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

36 citations, November 2019 in “Molecular biology and evolution”

Cysteine-rich keratins evolved independently in mammals, reptiles, and birds for hard skin structures like hair, claws, and feathers.