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Cis-regulatory Sequences02:02

Cis-regulatory Sequences

Cis-regulatory sequences are short fragments of non-coding DNA that are present on the same chromosomes as the genes that they regulate. These fragments serve as binding sites for transcriptional regulators, proteins that are responsible for controlling gene transcription and differential gene expression across cell types in eukaryotes. Cis-regulatory sequences can be close to the gene of interest or thousands of bases away in the DNA sequence; however, those sequences that are further away are...
Cis-regulatory Sequences02:02

Cis-regulatory Sequences

Cis-regulatory sequences are short fragments of non-coding DNA that are present on the same chromosomes as the genes that they regulate. These fragments serve as binding sites for transcriptional regulators, proteins that are responsible for controlling gene transcription and differential gene expression across cell types in eukaryotes. Cis-regulatory sequences can be close to the gene of interest or thousands of bases away in the DNA sequence; however, those sequences that are further away are...
Genetics of Speciation02:16

Genetics of Speciation

Speciation is the evolutionary process resulting in the formation of new, distinct species—groups of reproductively isolated populations.
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.
Speciation Rates01:07

Speciation Rates

Overview
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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 26, 2026

Quantitative Comparison of cis-Regulatory Element (CRE) Activities in Transgenic Drosophila melanogaster
08:19

Quantitative Comparison of cis-Regulatory Element (CRE) Activities in Transgenic Drosophila melanogaster

Published on: December 19, 2011

Cis-regulatory elements: molecular mechanisms and evolutionary processes underlying divergence.

Patricia J Wittkopp1, Gizem Kalay

  • 1Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA. wittkopp@umich.edu

Nature Reviews. Genetics
|December 7, 2011
PubMed
Summary

Cis-regulatory sequences control traits by altering gene expression. Mutations in these sequences drive evolutionary changes, and new research explores the genetic mechanisms behind this cis-regulatory divergence.

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Area of Science:

  • Genetics
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Cis-regulatory sequences (enhancers, promoters) are crucial for controlling gene expression, impacting development and physiology.
  • Mutations within these sequences are a significant source of phenotypic variation within and across species.
  • Divergence in cis-regulatory sequences is increasingly recognized as a key driver of phenotypic evolution.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying cis-regulatory sequence divergence.
  • To understand how alterations in cis-regulatory activity contribute to phenotypic evolution.
  • To address fundamental questions about the genetic basis of evolutionary change.

Main Methods:

  • Detailed functional analysis of individual cis-regulatory elements.
  • Comparative genomics approaches to study gene regulation across different species.
  • Integration of genetic and molecular techniques to investigate regulatory mechanisms.

Main Results:

  • Demonstrated how cis-regulatory activity can diverge between species.
  • Provided mechanistic insights into the genetic basis of phenotypic evolution.
  • Highlighted the role of cis-regulatory changes in adaptation and speciation.

Conclusions:

  • Cis-regulatory divergence is a significant evolutionary mechanism.
  • Mechanistic studies of cis-regulatory elements are essential for understanding phenotypic evolution.
  • Future research should continue to explore the genetic underpinnings of cis-regulatory changes.