Moonlighting Proteins
Nadia D. Singh, Needhi Bhalla
Abstract
The single gene, single protein, single function hypothesis is increasingly becoming obsolete. Numerous studies have demonstrated that individual proteins can moonlight, meaning they can have multiple functions based on their cellular or developmental context. In this review, we discuss moonlighting proteins, highlighting the biological pathways where this phenomenon may be particularly relevant. In addition, we combine genetic, cell biological, and evolutionary perspectives so that we can better understand how, when, and why moonlighting proteins may take on multiple roles.
Topics & Concepts
BiologyContext (archaeology)Protein functionFunction (biology)Computational biologyGeneticsEvolutionary biologyGenePaleontologyCellular transport and secretionProtein Structure and DynamicsEndoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Disease