NOTCH1 Protein
What is Homology?
Homology is similarity based on conserved evolution. Similarity in structure, physiology, or development can be seen in species derived from a common ancestor often due to the modifications being adaptive [1]. An example is the forelimb of vertebrates. Despite the forelimb conferring different function in amphibians, birds, and mammals, it contains the same three bones (humerus, radius, and ulna) [2].
How well is NOTCH1 conserved?
|
C. elegans
NP_499007.1 27.67% identical |
NOTCH1 is highly conserved in vertebrates [3]. Although this conservation breaks down in lower order organisms, Drosophila, the organism in which the NOTCh family was discovered [4], shares considerable homology. C. elegans actually has three different homologs with similar percent identity to humans, including lin-12 (27.67%), glp-1 (27.04%), and C-type lectin (37.55%), which despite having the highest percentage of identical genetic information actually has 959 more amino acids than human NOTCH1 [4].
Conclusion
NOTCH1 is well conserved within vertebrates with complex cardiovascular systems (hearts). Although its homology breaks down in more simple organisms, it can be seen that C. elegans still possesses three genes of similar homology. It is likely that areas of NOTCH1 specific to organisms with complex cardiovascular systems enable the development of chambered hearts.