IISc Researchers Discover Ancient Proteins Linked to Life’s Evolution

Quick Summary:

• Scientists are investigating how simple cells evolved into complex ones found in animals, plants, and fungi.
• Researchers from the Indian Institute of Science studied a microbe called Odinarchaeota, part of the Asgard archaea group, considered close relatives to eukaryotes.
• The study found that Odinarchaeota has two FtsZ genes (unusual among microbes) and a tubulin-like gene.
• Experiments showed distinct functions for these proteins:

– OdinFtsZ1 forms straight protofilaments and directly anchors to membranes.
– OdinFtsZ2 forms spiral structures needing an adaptor protein for membrane attachment.

• The interaction between these proteins suggests specialized roles signifying growing complexity, laying groundwork for eukaryotic cytoskeletal systems.
• Team lead Saravanan Palani highlighted this as a “snapshot of evolution” contributing to understanding cellular complexity.

Published in The EMBO Journal. Next steps include cultivating Asgard microbes for live observation of protein dynamics.

Indian Opinion analysis:

This study from an Indian research team represents a meaningful scientific contribution in evolutionary biology.by identifying functional specialization within cytoskeletal proteins of Odinarchaeota,the work provides critical insights into one of life’s transformative moments-the leap towards cellular complexity marking the dawn of eukaryotic life.

India’s scientific community is showcasing its capability as global contributors to fundamental research with implications beyond national boundaries. Advances like this benefit humanity’s broader understanding of evolution, underscoring India’s growing prominence in high-impact science.

Read More: The Hindu