Wallis_2021_final_ms.pdf (7.86 MB)
Do some viruses use growth hormone, prolactin and their receptors to facilitate entry into cells?
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-09, 23:26 authored by Michael WallisThe molecular evolution of pituitary growth hormone and prolactin in mammals shows two unusual features: episodes of markedly accelerated evolution and, in some species, complex families of related proteins expressed in placenta and resulting from multiple gene duplications. Explanations of these phenomena in terms of physiological adaptations seem unconvincing. Here I propose an alternative explanation, namely that these evolutionary features reflect the use of the hormones (and their receptors) as viral receptors. Episodes of rapid evolution can then be explained as due to “arms races” in which changes in the hormone lead to reduced interaction with the virus, and subsequent changes in the virus counteract this. Placental paralogues of the hormones could provide decoys that bind viruses, and protect the foetus against infection. The hypothesis implies that the extensive changes introduced into growth hormone, prolactin and their receptors during the course of mammalian evolution reflect viral interactions, not endocrine adaptations.
History
Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Accepted version
Journal
BioEssaysISSN
0265-9247Publisher
WileyExternal DOI
Issue
4Volume
43Article number
a2000268Department affiliated with
- Biochemistry Publications
Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2021-03-25First Open Access (FOA) Date
2022-02-02First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2021-03-24Usage metrics
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