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Related Concept Videos

RNA Editing02:23

RNA Editing

RNA editing is a post-transcriptional modification where a precursor mRNA (pre-mRNA) nucleotide sequence is changed by base insertion, deletion, or modification. The extent of RNA editing varies from a few hundred bases, in mitochondrial DNA of trypanosomes, to a just single base, in nuclear genes of mammals. Even a single base change in the pre-mRNA can convert a codon for one amino acid into the codon for another amino acid or a stop codon. This type of re-coding can significantly affect the...
Gene Evolution - Fast or Slow?02:05

Gene Evolution - Fast or Slow?

The genomes of eukaryotes are punctuated by long stretches of sequence which do not code for proteins or RNAs. Although some of these regions do contain crucial regulatory sequences, the vast majority of this DNA serves no known function. Typically, these regions of the genome are the ones in which the fastest change, in evolutionary terms, is observed, because there is typically little to no selection pressure acting on these regions to preserve their sequences.
In contrast, regions which code...
Gene Evolution - Fast or Slow?02:05

Gene Evolution - Fast or Slow?

The genomes of eukaryotes are punctuated by long stretches of sequence which do not code for proteins or RNAs. Although some of these regions do contain crucial regulatory sequences, the vast majority of this DNA serves no known function. Typically, these regions of the genome are the ones in which the fastest change, in evolutionary terms, is observed, because there is typically little to no selection pressure acting on these regions to preserve their sequences.
In contrast, regions which code...
Exon Recombination02:32

Exon 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...
Gene Conversion02:08

Gene Conversion

Other than maintaining genome stability via DNA repair, homologous recombination plays an important role in diversifying the genome. In fact, the recombination of sequences forms the molecular basis of genomic evolution. Random and non-random permutations of genomic sequences create a library of new amalgamated sequences. These newly formed genomes can determine the fitness and survival of cells. In bacteria, homologous and non-homologous types of recombination lead to the evolution of new...
Gene Conversion02:08

Gene Conversion

Other than maintaining genome stability via DNA repair, homologous recombination plays an important role in diversifying the genome. In fact, the recombination of sequences forms the molecular basis of genomic evolution. Random and non-random permutations of genomic sequences create a library of new amalgamated sequences. These newly formed genomes can determine the fitness and survival of cells. In bacteria, homologous and non-homologous types of recombination lead to the evolution of new...

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Updated: Jun 20, 2026

Enhanced Genome Editing with Cas9 Ribonucleoprotein in Diverse Cells and Organisms
09:51

Enhanced Genome Editing with Cas9 Ribonucleoprotein in Diverse Cells and Organisms

Published on: May 25, 2018

RNA editing: a driving force for adaptive evolution?

Willemijn M Gommans1, Sean P Mullen, Stefan Maas

  • 1Department of Biological Sciences, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, USA.

Bioessays : News and Reviews in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology
|August 27, 2009
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

RNA editing, the conversion of adenosine to inosine (A-to-I RNA editing), provides a low-cost source of genetic variation. This epigenetic mechanism enhances phenotypic plasticity and promotes adaptive evolution in species.

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A Nonsequencing Approach for the Rapid Detection of RNA Editing
08:50

A Nonsequencing Approach for the Rapid Detection of RNA Editing

Published on: April 21, 2022

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Last Updated: Jun 20, 2026

Enhanced Genome Editing with Cas9 Ribonucleoprotein in Diverse Cells and Organisms
09:51

Enhanced Genome Editing with Cas9 Ribonucleoprotein in Diverse Cells and Organisms

Published on: May 25, 2018

A Nonsequencing Approach for the Rapid Detection of RNA Editing
08:50

A Nonsequencing Approach for the Rapid Detection of RNA Editing

Published on: April 21, 2022

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Genetic variability is crucial for species' evolvability.
  • Adenosine to inosine (A-to-I) RNA editing recodes genetic information post-transcriptionally.
  • RNA editing generates significant transcriptome and proteome variability.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To propose A-to-I RNA editing as an unrecognized mechanism of adaptive evolution.
  • To highlight the role of RNA editing in generating phenotypic variation with low evolutionary cost.
  • To explore the contribution of RNA editing to increased adaptability and organismal complexity.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of the functional consequences of A-to-I RNA editing on proteins and RNA.
  • Comparative assessment of evolutionary costs and benefits of RNA editing versus mutation.
  • Inference of evolutionary trends in RNA editing activity across organisms.

Main Results:

  • A-to-I RNA editing introduces amino acid changes, alters RNA structure, and affects splicing.
  • RNA editing provides phenotypic plasticity and explores sequence space inaccessible to mutation.
  • The wild-type protein is predominantly retained, minimizing evolutionary cost.

Conclusions:

  • A-to-I RNA editing is a significant epigenetic source of phenotypic variation driving adaptive evolution.
  • Increased RNA editing activity is linked to the evolution of higher organisms and increased complexity.
  • Continuous exploration of novel editing sites by the editing machinery underlies enhanced adaptability.