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Is Hsp90 a regulator of evolvability?
G P Wagner1, C H Chiu, T F Hansen
1Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8106, USA. Gunter.wagner@yale.edu
The Journal of Experimental Zoology
|August 10, 1999
Summary
Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) mutations can reveal hidden genetic variation, influencing organismal evolution. Hsp90 shows potential as a model for studying the evolution of evolvability.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Molecular genetics
- Developmental evolution
Background:
- Mutations in Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) have been shown to uncover cryptic genetic variation.
- Hsp90 possesses characteristics suggesting a role in regulating genetic variation expression and organismal evolvability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the evolutionary feasibility of Hsp90-mediated mechanisms for uncovering genetic variation.
- To propose methods for testing the adaptation-for-evolvability hypothesis related to Hsp90.
Main Methods:
- Review and theoretical reflection on evolutionary mechanisms.
- Conceptualization of experimental approaches to test hypotheses.
Main Results:
- Hsp90's role in unmasking genetic variation has significant implications for evolutionary processes.
- The study provides a framework for future research into Hsp90 and evolvability.
Conclusions:
- Hsp90 is a promising molecular system for investigating the evolution of evolvability.
- Further research is warranted to explore the adaptive significance of Hsp90 in evolution.