Opsins of the Ctenophore Mnemiopsis Leidyi and a Network of Protein-Protein Interactions

Abstract

Ctenophora are ancient and separate branch of evolutionary tree of the organic world development. They inhabit mostly epipelagic seas and demonstrate amazing mechanisms of adaptation to the environment. It is now possible with the potential technique of DNA sequencing to study biological objects not only experimentally but also theoretically. We studied opsins of the ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi A. Agassiz 1865 using bioinformatics methods. Additional annotation of opsins 1, 2, and 3, AFK83788.1, AFK83789.1, and AFK83790.1, respectively, was performed. Their 3D models were constructed and the localization of retinal within the protein molecules was determined. The protein environment of opsins was studied, and the first- and second-level protein neighbors were characterized. The structure of the protein-protein interaction network was shown to resemble a perceptron and, therefore, to perform the function of recognizing the patterns of the signals coming from outside. The multitasking of signaling pathways from endocytosis to Wnt signaling has been revealed, indicating the involvement of Ctenophora opsins in a wide range of genetic and physiological processes.