Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 17, 2026
04:52
Following the Dynamics of Structural Variants in Experimentally Evolved Populations
Published on: February 3, 2023
Functional divergence of gene duplicates through ectopic recombination.
Joaquin F Christiaens1, Sebastiaan E Van Mulders, Jorge Duitama
1Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems, Centre of Microbial and Plant Genetics (CMPG), KU Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 22, B-3001 Leuven (Heverlee), Belgium.
EMBO Reports
|October 17, 2012
Summary
Gene duplication creates new gene versions that can evolve new functions. In yeast, recombination between duplicated genes generates novel chimeric alleles, driving evolutionary adaptation and innovation.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Genetics
- Molecular biology
Background:
- Gene duplication is a primary driver of evolutionary innovation, enabling paralogs to acquire new functions through mutation.
- Cell-surface and subtelomeric genes are particularly prone to duplication and subsequent functional divergence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of intergenic recombination in generating novel alleles from duplicated genes.
- To explore the functional consequences of chimeric alleles in the FLO gene family.
Main Methods:
- In silico analysis of paralogs in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
- Experimental mimicry of intergenic recombination events in the FLO gene family.
Main Results:
- Saccharomyces cerevisiae paralogs, especially cell-surface and subtelomeric genes, undergo ectopic recombination, forming chimeric alleles.
- Chimeric FLO alleles exhibit distinct adhesion phenotypes compared to their parental genes.
- Intergenic recombination between paralogs generates a diverse set of new alleles.
Conclusions:
- Intergenic recombination between gene duplicates is a significant source of genetic variation.
- This process provides raw material for evolutionary adaptation and innovation.
- Chimeric alleles contribute to phenotypic diversity and evolutionary potential.
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.
02:08Gene 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...
02:08Gene 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...
02:32Exon 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...
Exon shuffling follows “splice frame rules.” Each exon has three reading...
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...
03:21Genome 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.