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Intron evolution: a statistical comparison of two models.

A M Nyberg1, M B Cronhjort

  • 1Department of Theoretical Physics, Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden.

Journal of Theoretical Biology
|July 21, 1992
PubMed
Summary
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Introns, or intervening sequences, in genes are likely ancient remnants of genetic material, not recent evolutionary introductions. Mathematical modeling of intron distribution in genes like actin supports this "introns-early" hypothesis.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Bioinformatics

Background:

  • The origin and distribution of introns (non-coding DNA sequences within genes) remain a significant question in molecular evolution.
  • Two primary hypotheses exist: introns are ancient relics ('introns-early') or were acquired later in evolution ('introns-late').

Purpose of the Study:

  • To mathematically model and statistically evaluate the 'introns-early' and 'introns-late' hypotheses.
  • To assess which model best explains the observed intron distribution in specific genes across different species.

Main Methods:

  • Construction of two distinct mathematical models representing intron gain and intron loss scenarios.
  • Incorporation of evolutionary tree structures and branch-specific rates of intron dynamics.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Estimation of rate constants from intron counts and simulation of intron evolution to calculate probability distributions.

    • Main Results:

    • Analysis of actin and alpha-tubulin genes, with the most extensive data, favored the 'introns-early' model.
    • The mathematical models calculated probabilities for intron arrangements under both hypotheses.
    • Results suggest that the observed intron patterns are more likely explained by introns being ancient.

    Conclusions:

    • The study provides evidence supporting the hypothesis that introns are largely ancient features of the genome.
    • This finding contrasts with some previous analyses, highlighting the importance of robust modeling in evolutionary studies.
    • The 'introns-early' model appears to be a better fit for the intron distribution in the studied genes.