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Gene Duplication and Divergence

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.

Gene Families

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.
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Updated: Jun 18, 2026

A Bioinformatics Pipeline for Investigating Molecular Evolution and Gene Expression using RNA-seq

A Bioinformatics Pipeline for Investigating Molecular Evolution and Gene Expression using RNA-seq

Published on: May 28, 2021

Monoallelic gene expression and mammalian evolution.

Barry Keverne¹

¹Sub-Department of Animal Behaviour, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB23 8AA, UK. ebk10@cam.ac.uk

Bioessays : News and Reviews in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology

|November 19, 2009

Summary

Monoallelic gene expression drives mammalian evolution by expanding olfactory and immune receptor diversity. This epigenetic regulation, including X chromosome inactivation and genomic imprinting, is crucial for development and species adaptation.

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Area of Science:

Genetics
Evolutionary Biology
Epigenetics

Background:

Monoallelic gene expression is key to mammalian evolution, enhancing olfactory and immune receptor diversity.
It enables antigen recognition and directs hypermutations through allele-specific mechanisms.
Random monoallelic expression of the X chromosome balances gene dosage between sexes.

Purpose of the Study:

To explore the role of monoallelic gene expression and genomic imprinting in mammalian evolution.
To highlight the epigenetic mechanisms underlying these processes.
To underscore their significance in mother-foetus co-adaptation.

Main Methods:

Review of existing literature on monoallelic gene expression and genomic imprinting.
Analysis of epigenetic mechanisms such as replication timing, polycomb protein binding, and histone modifications.
Comparative analysis of X chromosome inactivation in marsupials and eutherian mammals.

Main Results:

Monoallelic expression significantly expanded olfactory and immune receptor repertoires in mammals.
Epigenetic regulation, including X chromosome inactivation and genomic imprinting, utilizes replication asynchrony, polycomb proteins, and histone modifications.
Genomic imprinting, unique to mammals, is heritable by parent of origin and influences mammalian growth and evolution.

Conclusions:

Monoallelic gene expression and genomic imprinting are fundamental epigenetic processes driving mammalian evolution and diversity.
These mechanisms are critical for development, gene dosage compensation, and mother-foetus interactions.
Understanding these processes provides insights into mammalian adaptation and evolutionary trajectories.