Type II Opsins: Evolutionary Origin by Internal Domain Duplication?

Opsins are a large group of proteins with seven transmembrane segments (TMSs) that are found in all domains of life. There are two types of opsins that are sometimes considered nonhomologous: type I is known from prokaryotes and some eukaryotes, while type II is known only from Eumetazoan animals. Type II opsins are members of the family of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), which facilitate signal transduction across cell membranes. While previous studies have concluded that multiple transmembrane-containing protein families-including type I opsins-originated by internal domain duplication, the origin of type II opsins has been speculated on but never tested. Here we show that type II opsins do not appear to have originated through a similar internal domain duplication event. This provides further evidence that the two types of opsins are nonhomologous, indicating a convergent evolutionary origin, in which both groups of opsins evolved a seven-TM structure and light sensitivity independently. This convergence may indicate an important role for seven-TM protein structure for retinal-based light sensitivity.