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Related Experiment Videos

Positive selection at reproductive ADAM genes with potential intercellular binding activity.

Barb Glassey1, Alberto Civetta

  • 1Department of Biology, University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

Molecular Biology and Evolution
|February 14, 2004
PubMed
Summary

Reproductive genes, including those for fertilization and spermatogenesis, evolve rapidly. The ADAM gene family analysis reveals reproductive ADAMs evolve fastest, with specific adhesion domains under positive selection, particularly in testis-expressed genes.

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary biology
  • Genomics
  • Reproductive biology

Background:

  • Genes involved in reproduction often exhibit accelerated evolutionary rates compared to other gene types.
  • Previous studies grouped diverse reproductive genes, potentially obscuring specific evolutionary patterns.
  • The ADAM (a disintegrin and metalloprotease) gene family is structurally and functionally diverse, with roles in both reproductive and somatic tissues.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the molecular evolution of the ADAM gene family.
  • To determine if protein characteristics like phylogenetic clusters, tissue expression, and function correlate with rapid evolution in ADAM genes.
  • To identify specific ADAM genes and domains under selection pressure.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative analysis of molecular evolution across the ADAM gene family.

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  • Calculation of d(N)/d(S) ratios to assess selection pressures (purifying vs. positive selection).
  • Examination of evolutionary rates based on phylogenetic clusters, tissue expression, and functional domains (proteolytic, adhesive).

    • Main Results:

    • All ADAM genes analyzed showed evidence of purifying selection (d(N)/d(S) < 1).
    • Reproductive ADAM genes, particularly those in fertilization and spermatogenesis, evolved at the highest rates.
    • Positive selection was identified in the disintegrin/cysteine-rich adhesion domains of ADAMs 2 and 32 (testis-expressed, sperm-egg adhesion role) and in the transmembrane/cytosolic tail region of various ADAM genes.

    Conclusions:

    • Reproductive ADAM genes are subject to rapid molecular evolution.
    • Specific functional domains within ADAM genes, especially those involved in cell adhesion in the reproductive tract, experience positive selection.
    • Evolutionary rates of ADAM genes are influenced by their function and tissue expression, with reproductive roles driving faster evolution.