Introduction: Vitamin K is needed for vitamin K dependent gamma glutamyl carboxylase (GGCX) to post-translationally activate vitamin K dependent proteins by catalysing the conversion of specific glutamate (Glu) residues to gamma carboxy glutamate (Gla). Proteins that contain a Gla domain have been found in vertebrates that are involved in blood coagulation as well as other roles. Conus snail and the tunicate have also been found to have proteins with Gla residues. Aims: The aim of this research was to determine which non-vertebrate Opisthokonta species have either Gla domain or Gla-containing proteins. Methods: This was achieved by searching for Gla domain amino acid sequences on bioinformatic databases using known human Gla proteins and comparing them in multiple sequence alignments. Additionally, an anti-Gla antibody was used to detect Gla residue containing proteins in cell lines and non-vertebrate species. Results: Novel Gla domain proteins were found in non-vertebrate Planulozoa animals using the database searches. Additionally, groups of organisms that did not have the Gla domain but have the GGCX and VKOR were also identified. Immunoblots with human liver S9 fractions and HepG2 cells were used to verify anti-Gla antibody specificity, and the antibody was used to demonstrate non-vertebrate species had Gla containing proteins.
| Date of Award | 26 Mar 2025 |
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| Original language | English |
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| Supervisor | Dougie Clarke (Main Supervisor) |
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