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Related Concept Videos

Gene Duplication and Divergence02:37

Gene Duplication and Divergence

The seminal work of Ohno in 1970 popularized the idea of gene duplication and divergence. DNA sequence comparison studies reveal that a large portion of the genes in bacteria, archaebacteria, and eukaryotes was  generated by gene duplication and divergence, indicating its critical role in evolution.
The duplicated copies of the gene are called Paralogs. Paralogs with similar sequences and functions form a gene family. Across several species, a large number of gene families are characterized.
Genetic Variation01:25

Genetic Variation

Genetic variation is the diversity in DNA sequences found among individuals of the same species. This diversity is crucial for a species' survival because it helps organisms adapt to environmental changes. Genetic variation begins with fertilization, where an egg and sperm cell merge. Each of these cells carries 23 chromosomes, up to 46 in the fertilized egg. Chromosomes are long DNA strands that contain genes, the basic units of heredity.
Genes exist in different versions called alleles, which...
Gene Families01:57

Gene Families

Gene families consist of groups of genes proposed to have originated from a common ancestor. Typically these arise through events in which a gene or genes are mistakenly duplicated during cell division. Unlike their parent genes (which are subject to selection pressure to maintain function), these gene copies do not need to preserve their sequences and may evolve at a relatively faster rate.
Occasionally these regions can be adapted to take on new roles within the organism, becoming novel genes...
Genome Size and the Evolution of New Genes03:21

Genome Size and the Evolution of New Genes

While every living organism has a genome of some kind (be it RNA, or DNA), there is considerable variation in the sizes of these blueprints. One major factor that impacts genome size is whether the organism is prokaryotic or eukaryotic. In prokaryotes, the genome contains little to no non-coding sequence, such that genes are tightly clustered in groups or operons sequentially along the chromosome. Conversely, the genes in eukaryotes are punctuated by long stretches of non-coding sequence.
Genome Size and the Evolution of New Genes03:21

Genome Size and the Evolution of New Genes

While every living organism has a genome of some kind (be it RNA, or DNA), there is considerable variation in the sizes of these blueprints. One major factor that impacts genome size is whether the organism is prokaryotic or eukaryotic. In prokaryotes, the genome contains little to no non-coding sequence, such that genes are tightly clustered in groups or operons sequentially along the chromosome. Conversely, the genes in eukaryotes are punctuated by long stretches of non-coding sequence.
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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 19, 2026

G2-seq: A High Throughput Sequencing-based Technique for Identifying Late Replicating Regions of the Genome
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Published on: March 22, 2018

UGT genomic diversity: beyond gene duplication.

Chantal Guillemette1, Eric Lévesque, Mario Harvey

  • 1Pharmacogenomics Laboratory, CHUQ Research Center and Faculty of Pharmacy, Laval University, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. Chantal.Guillemette@crchul.ulaval.ca

Drug Metabolism Reviews
|October 28, 2009
PubMed
Summary

Human uridine diphospho (UDP)-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) enzymes are crucial for drug and toxin metabolism. This review explores genetic and epigenetic factors influencing UGT enzyme activity and variability in drug response.

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Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Biochemistry
  • Genetics

Background:

  • The human uridine diphospho (UDP)-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) superfamily catalyzes the glucuronidation of endogenous and exogenous compounds.
  • UGT enzymes are vital for detoxifying substances like bilirubin, steroids, drugs, and environmental toxins.
  • Significant variability exists in glucuronidation pathways, impacting drug efficacy and toxicity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review novel molecular mechanisms contributing to the diversity of UGT phenotypes.
  • To highlight the role of genetic and epigenetic factors in UGT enzyme variability.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on UGT superfamily.
  • Analysis of genetic, epigenetic, and splicing mechanisms affecting UGT function.

Main Results:

  • Genetic polymorphisms in UGT-encoding genes are a known source of phenotypic variation.
  • Copy-number variations, epigenetic modifications, and alternative splicing also significantly influence UGT activity.
  • These molecular factors collectively contribute to the observed diversity in UGT phenotypes.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding these novel molecular aspects is crucial for predicting and managing UGT-related variability in drug response.
  • Further research into these mechanisms will enhance personalized medicine approaches for glucuronidation pathways.