Evolutionary analyses of the gasdermin family suggest conserved roles in infection response despite loss of pore-forming functionality.

In this study we explored the evolutionary history of the gasdermin proteins in animals and demonstrated that the pore-formation functionality has been conserved from the ancient proto-gasdermin protein. We also showed that one gasdermin family member, pejvakin, lost its pore-forming functionality, but that all gasdermin family members, including pejvakin, likely retained a role in inflammation and the physiological response to infection.