Affiliation:
1. Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center RAS
2. Siberian State Medical University
Abstract
The function of a newly discovered protein is often assessed by matching its new sequence to sequences of proteins with known functions. However, protein superfamilies can contain homologous elements that catalyze different reactions. Some homologous proteins differ in that they perform a second or even a third function and are called moonlighting proteins, which can be translated as mate proteins or underwork proteins. Also, such proteins are called multifunctional. In addition to these, the superfamilies of proteins with multiple functions also include pseudoenzymes that have a common catalytically active domain but no catalytic activity, as well as metamorphs and morpheins. This review discusses examples of such proteins, their diversity of functions, and their importance in the life of the cell.
Publisher
The Russian Academy of Sciences