Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 23, 2026
07:24
In Situ Hybridization Techniques for Paraffin-Embedded Adult Coral Samples
Published on: August 31, 2018
Domain shuffling and the evolution of vertebrates
Takeshi Kawashima1, Shuichi Kawashima, Chisaki Tanaka
1Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, Uruma, Okinawa, Japan. takeshik@oist.jp
Genome Research
|May 16, 2009
Summary
Domain shuffling, a genetic mechanism, generated new genes crucial for vertebrate evolution. This process significantly contributed to the development of unique vertebrate traits like cartilage and complex craniofacial structures.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Genomics
- Molecular evolution
Background:
- Vertebrate evolution involved key developments like cartilage and complex craniofacial structures.
- Genetic mechanisms driving these evolutionary innovations are of significant interest.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate domain shuffling as a source of novel genetic material for vertebrate evolution.
- To map domain-shuffling events in deuterostome evolution, focusing on chordate and vertebrate-specific traits.
Main Methods:
- Comparative genomics analysis of domain-shuffling events across deuterostome lineages.
- Identification and characterization of novel domain pairs in vertebrate and chordate ancestors.
Main Results:
- Approximately 1000 new domain pairs were identified in the vertebrate lineage, with about 100 shared across examined species.
- Domain shuffling contributed to vertebrate-specific structures (e.g., cartilage, inner ear) and chordate structures (e.g., endostyle, notochord).
- Specific examples, like the Xlink domain recruitment in aggrecan, illustrate the evolutionary history of shuffled domains.
Conclusions:
- Domain shuffling is a significant mechanism contributing novel genetic material for vertebrate and chordate evolution.
- The study provides insights into the origin of vertebrate-specific characteristics through gene structure evolution.
- Evolutionary pathways of specific domains highlight the dynamic nature of gene evolution.
More Related Videos
11:13Stem cell-like Xenopus Embryonic Explants to Study Early Neural Developmental Features In Vitro and In Vivo
Published on: February 2, 2016
07:34The Power of Simplicity: Sea Urchin Embryos as in Vivo Developmental Models for Studying Complex Cell-to-cell Signaling Network Interactions
Published on: February 16, 2017
Related Concept Videos
02:32Exon Recombination
The evolution of new genes is critical for speciation. Exon recombination, also known as exon shuffling or domain shuffling, is an important means of new gene formation. It is observed across vertebrates, invertebrates, and in some plants such as potatoes and sunflowers. During exon recombination, exons from the same or different genes recombine and produce new exon-intron combinations, which might evolve into new genes.
Exon shuffling follows “splice frame rules.” Each exon has three reading...
Exon shuffling follows “splice frame rules.” Each exon has three reading...
02:35What is Evolutionary History?
Scientists record evolutionary history by analyzing fossil, morphological, and genetic data. The fossil record documents the history of life on Earth and provides evidence for evolution. However, both fossil and living organisms offer evidence that outlines Earth’s evolutionary history.Phylogenetic trees illustrate the evolutionary relationships among these organisms. Scientists infer organisms’ common ancestry by evaluating shared morphological and genetic characteristics. Together, the fossil...
02:40The Tree of Life - Bacteria, Archaea, Eukaryotes
The “tree of life” describes the evolution of life and the evolutionary relationships between organisms. The root of the tree is the common ancestor to all life on Earth. All other species radiate from this point, much like the branches of a tree. The numerous tips of these branches on the tree of life represent every living, or extant, species. Extinct species, which are species that no longer exist, can be found towards the center of the tree. Currently, these organisms, both extant and...
02:55The Evidence for Evolution
Genetic variations accumulating within populations over generations give rise to biological evolution. Evolutionary changes can result in the formation of novel varieties and entire new species. These changes are responsible for the diverse forms of life inhabiting the planet. The evidence for evolution suggests that all living organisms descended from common ancestors.The collection of fossils within sedimentary rocks give a record of common ancestry and often depicts the history of evolution.
01:24Eukaryotic Evolution
The endosymbiont theory is the most widely accepted theory of eukaryotic evolution; however, its progression is still somewhat debated. According to the nucleus-first hypothesis, the ancestral prokaryote first evolved a membrane to enclose DNA and form the nucleus. Conversely, the mitochondria-first hypothesis suggests that the nucleus was formed after endosymbiosis of mitochondria.
Contrary to the endosymbiont theory, the eukaryote-first hypothesis proposes that the simpler prokaryotic and...
Contrary to the endosymbiont theory, the eukaryote-first hypothesis proposes that the simpler prokaryotic and...
01:54Convergent Evolution
Evolution shapes the features of organisms over time, ensuring that they are suited for the environments in which they live. Sometimes, selection pressure leads to the rise of similar but unrelated adaptations in organisms with no recent common ancestors, a process known as convergent evolution.The structures that arise from convergent evolution are called analogous structures. They are similar in function even if they are dissimilar in structure. Further, structures can be analogous while also...