Convergent evolution of a gene that blocks HIV in monkeys

By Ethan Rop

February 29, 2008 10:12 MST

Here we have yet another example of evolution cobbling together new proteins from existing structures. And what do you know, it kinda matters:

The TRIM5-CypA gene found in Asian macaques is a hybrid of two existing proteins, TRIM5 and CypA. This combination creates a single protein that blocks infections by lentiviruses.

Continue reading at Neurotopia for more snark.

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