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Related Concept Videos

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. 
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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.
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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...
Diversity of Antigen Receptors01:28

Diversity of Antigen Receptors

Antigen receptors are essential components of the immune system crucial in defending the body against foreign invaders. These receptors are present on the surface of B and T cells, enabling them to recognize antigens and mount an appropriate immune response.
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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.
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Personalized Peptide Arrays for Detection of HLA Alloantibodies in Organ Transplantation
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Published on: September 6, 2017

Evolution of HLA-DRB genes.

Gaby G M Doxiadis1, Ilka Hoof, Nanine de Groot

  • 1Department of Comparative Genetics and Refinement, Biomedical Primate Research Centre, Rijswijk, The Netherlands.

Molecular Biology and Evolution
|July 25, 2012
PubMed
Summary

The evolution of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) DRB genes in primates involved duplications of ancestral genes before species divergence. Phylogenetic analysis reveals shared gene families and common evolutionary histories among primate species.

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VDJ-Seq: Deep Sequencing Analysis of Rearranged Immunoglobulin Heavy Chain Gene to Reveal Clonal Evolution Patterns of B Cell Lymphoma
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VDJ-Seq: Deep Sequencing Analysis of Rearranged Immunoglobulin Heavy Chain Gene to Reveal Clonal Evolution Patterns of B Cell Lymphoma

Published on: December 28, 2015

Area of Science:

  • Immunogenetics
  • Evolutionary biology
  • Primate genomics

Background:

  • The human leukocyte antigen (HLA) region exhibits significant diversity in its DRB genes.
  • Similar variations in DRB genes are observed across different primate species.
  • Understanding the evolutionary trajectory of these genes is crucial for comprehending immune system diversity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the evolutionary history of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) DRB genes in primates.
  • To identify ancestral DRB gene families and their duplication events.
  • To elucidate the evolutionary relationships among HLA-DRB genes in humans and other primates.

Main Methods:

  • Phylogenetic analysis of intron sequences from humans, chimpanzees, rhesus macaques, and common marmosets.
  • Examination of transposable elements (e.g., LINE2, Alu) within intron sequences.
  • Comparative analysis of DRB gene structures and shared genetic markers across species.

Main Results:

  • Evidence suggests multiple duplications of ancestral DRB genes prior to the divergence of Old World monkeys (OWM) and hominids (HOM).
  • At least four ancestral DRB gene families were present before OWM and HOM radiation, with one predating the split of Old and New World primates.
  • Shared gene segments and transposable elements indicate common ancestry and duplication events, with DRB5 genes being consistently shared between OWM and HOM.

Conclusions:

  • The study illuminates the ancestral DRB gene pool in primates and their evolutionary relationships.
  • The findings highlight a complex evolutionary history for DRB genes, shaped by gene duplication, mutations, and recombination-like events.
  • Specific DRB lineages, such as DRB5, demonstrate a shared evolutionary past between OWM and HOM, while others show more complex divergence patterns.