1131-Recurrent Multiplicity of TGFβ Domains in Vertebrates

Paper Talk · Jun 15, 2026 · 21m

This study identifies a significant evolutionary shift in the TGFβ signaling pathway, a system previously thought to be highly conserved across all vertebrates. Researchers discovered 12 independent instances of ligand-binding domain (LBD) multiplication within three specific receptor classes: ACVR1, BMPR2, and TGFBR2. While most metazoans possess receptors with only a single LBD, diverse lineages including fish, amphibians, birds, and mammals have evolved receptors with two or more tandem domains. These structural innovations allow organisms to fine-tune signaling intensity and ligand…