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Evolution of RPS4Y
A W Bergen1, M Pratt, P T Mehlman
1Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Rockville, Maryland, USA. awb@dicbr.niaaa.nih.gov
Molecular Biology and Evolution
|February 8, 2003
Summary
The Y-chromosome gene RPS4Y originated from a transposition of RPS4X before primate divergence. This ribosomal protein gene shows faster evolution on the Y chromosome compared to its X-chromosome counterpart.
Area of Science:
- Genomics
- Evolutionary Biology
- Molecular Genetics
Background:
- The Y chromosome harbors unique genes, including RPS4Y, a ribosomal protein gene.
- Understanding the evolutionary origin of Y-linked genes provides insights into sex chromosome evolution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the evolutionary origin of the RPS4Y gene in primates.
- To determine the timing of RPS4X transposition to the Y chromosome.
Main Methods:
- Sequencing of RPS4Y and flanking regions in four nonhuman primate species.
- Phylogenetic reconstruction of RPS4 sequence evolution.
- Molecular evolutionary rate estimation.
- Southern hybridization analysis of primate genomic DNA.
Main Results:
- Phylogenetic analysis supports the monophyly of mammalian RPS4 and RPS4Y.
- RPS4Y exhibits significantly accelerated rates of DNA and protein evolution compared to RPS4X.
- Estimated transposition of RPS4X to the Y chromosome occurred between 32 and 74 million years ago.
- Transposition predates the divergence of Prosimii.
Conclusions:
- The RPS4Y gene arose from a transposition of RPS4X to the Y chromosome in early primates.
- Accelerated evolution of RPS4Y may be linked to its unique Y-chromosome environment.