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Updated: Jun 17, 2026
08:57
Using Phylogenetic Analysis to Investigate Eukaryotic Gene Origin
Published on: August 14, 2018
The evolution of gene duplications: classifying and distinguishing between models
Hideki Innan1, Fyodor Kondrashov
1Graduate University for Advanced Studies, Hayama, Kanagawa 240-0193, Japan. innan_hideki@soken.ac.jp
Nature Reviews. Genetics
|January 7, 2010
Summary
Gene duplications are crucial for evolving new functions. This study classifies models of gene duplication, aiding in understanding how these genetic changes are maintained and evolve over time.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Genomics
- Molecular evolution
Background:
- Gene duplication and divergence are key drivers of evolutionary innovation.
- Existing models for gene duplication emergence and maintenance lack comprehensive consensus.
- Understanding the fixation and maintenance mechanisms of gene duplicates is an ongoing challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive classification of models for gene duplication evolution.
- To delineate the predicted evolutionary dynamics and functional properties associated with each model.
- To facilitate the identification of key mechanisms governing gene duplication evolution.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing models.
- Development of a classification framework for gene duplication models.
- Analysis of predicted outcomes for each model category.
Main Results:
- A systematic classification of gene duplication models across all evolutionary stages.
- Each model is characterized by distinct evolutionary dynamics and functional predictions.
- The framework highlights unique signatures for different duplication maintenance pathways.
Conclusions:
- A unified classification of gene duplication models is presented.
- This classification aids in distinguishing between various evolutionary trajectories of gene copies.
- Identifying the primary mechanisms driving gene duplication evolution is now more feasible.
Related Concept Videos
02:37Gene 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.
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.
01:57Gene 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...
Occasionally these regions can be adapted to take on new roles within the organism, becoming novel genes...
01:57Gene 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...
Occasionally these regions can be adapted to take on new roles within the organism, becoming novel genes...
02:54Evolutionary Relationships through Genome Comparisons
Genome comparison is one of the excellent ways to interpret the evolutionary relationships between organisms. The basic principle of genome comparison is that if two species share a common feature, it is likely encoded by the DNA sequence conserved between both species. The advent of genome sequencing technologies in the late 20th century enabled scientists to understand the concept of conservation of domains between species and helped them to deduce evolutionary relationships across diverse...
02:05Gene 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...
In contrast, regions which code...
02:05Gene 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...
In contrast, regions which code...