We hypothesized that one or more dsRNA binding proteins with known function in D. melanogaster are functionally orthologous to PACT, and that identification of the functional ortholog(s) would provide insight into the small RNA processing function of PACT.
Although we do not know if the enzymes were functionally orthologous to those homologues from more recently evolved plant species, the anthocyanin pathways were apparently available as long ago as the late Ordovician period to make both pelargonidins and cyanidins (Figures 2, 3, 4, 5).
These are functionally orthologous to a previously-characterised small subunit (Tsc3p) discovered in yeast [ 23].
In this study, the genetic utility of Drosophila melanogaster was employed to identify dsRNA-binding proteins that are functionally orthologous to PACT.
In this regard, revisiting the evolutionary history of the protein world at the level of FFs can be very valuable, especially because each FF is functionally orthologous and conserved enough to portray the entire history of life.
Thus, genes that are orthologous and share 'gene context' can be assumed to be functionally more equivalent than orthologous genes that are not syntenous.
Functional complementation studies will determine whether CgZF1 and AgZF1 are functionally equivalent to putative orthologous genes identified in legumes.
Defb14 peptide has been shown to chemoattract cells expressing human or mouse CCR6 9, 12 and monocytes, so is functionally similar to its orthologous peptide HBD3.
Orthologous ABC transporters are expected to be functionally equivalent [ 13- 15], thus the proposal of both phosphatidic acid and glutamate as possible substrates of the Mce transporters is puzzling.
These motifs are likely to be functionally important for cuticle formation because they 1) derive from conserved orthologous blocks, 2) occur in different protein families known to be involved in cuticle (e.g., Tweedles, CPRs, CPFs, A. gambiae CPLC Gs or cuticle-associated processes (Dusky/Miniature), and 3) have conserved tyrosines.
