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Discrimination between paralogs using microarray analysis: application to the Yap1p and Yap2p transcriptional
Barak A Cohen1, Yitzhak Pilpel, Robi D Mitra
1Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA. cohen@genetics.wustl.edu
Molecular Biology of the Cell
|May 15, 2002
Summary
Gene duplication can create new functions. DNA microarrays revealed that two yeast transcription factors, Yap1p and Yap2p, control distinct gene sets, highlighting their non-redundant roles in stress response.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Genomics
Background:
- Gene duplication is a key evolutionary mechanism for new gene functions.
- Distinguishing subtle functional differences between highly similar homologous genes (paralogs) is challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the functional divergence of two closely related yeast transcription factors, Yap1p and Yap2p.
- To demonstrate the utility of DNA microarrays in differentiating gene functions of highly conserved homologs.
Main Methods:
- Utilized DNA microarray analysis to compare gene expression profiles regulated by Yap1p and Yap2p.
- Analyzed promoter regions to identify differences in DNA binding sites.
- Performed experimental validation of identified regulatory differences.
Main Results:
- Yap1p and Yap2p, despite 88% DNA binding domain identity, regulate non-overlapping sets of genes.
- Yap1p controls genes involved in reactive oxygen species detoxification.
- Yap2p controls genes related to protein stabilization.
Conclusions:
- Yap1p and Yap2p are not functionally redundant, possessing distinct roles in stress response.
- DNA microarray analysis is a powerful tool for dissecting functions of highly conserved genes in eukaryotes.