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Related Concept Videos

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...
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...
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.
Types of Selection01:46

Types of Selection

Natural selection influences the frequencies of particular alleles and phenotypes within populations in several different ways. Primarily, natural selection can be directional, stabilizing, or disruptive. Directional selection favors one extreme trait and shifts the population towards that phenotype while selecting against individuals displaying alternate traits. Stabilizing selection favors an intermediate trait with a narrow range of variation. Deviation from the optimal phenotype towards an...
Evolution of New Traits in Microbes01:24

Evolution of New Traits in Microbes

Microorganisms evolve rapidly due to their large population sizes and short generation times, often exhibiting measurable changes within days under laboratory conditions. Natural selection acts on standing genetic variation, enabling the retention and amplification of beneficial traits that confer fitness advantages in changing environments.Adaptive Pigment Regulation in RhodobacterIn Rhodobacter, a genus of purple non-sulfur bacteria, light-harvesting pigments such as bacteriochlorophyll and...
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. 
Exon shuffling follows “splice frame rules.” Each exon has three reading...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 17, 2026

A Bioinformatics Pipeline for Investigating Molecular Evolution and Gene Expression using RNA-seq
07:09

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Published on: May 28, 2021

Differential evolution of MAGE genes based on expression pattern and selection pressure.

Qi Zhao1, Otavia L Caballero, Andrew J G Simpson

  • 1Ludwig Collaborative Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America. qzhao1@jhmi.edu

Plos One
|November 8, 2012
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The human MAGE gene family evolved uniquely across species. Type I MAGE genes show distinct promoter evolution and positive selection, suggesting ongoing functional adaptation in humans.

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary genomics
  • Molecular biology
  • Human genetics

Background:

  • The MAGE (Melanoma Antigen Genes) gene family plays roles in cancer-testis biology.
  • Understanding MAGE gene evolution provides insights into their functions and regulation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize the evolutionary trajectory of the human MAGE gene family.
  • To investigate lineage-specific adaptations and regulatory mechanisms of MAGE genes.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative and phylogenetic genome analyses using publicly available datasets.
  • Analysis of genomic structures across diverse mammalian lineages (primates, rodents, carnivora, macroscelidea).
  • Examination of gene expression patterns, promoter conservation, and codon usage.

Main Results:

  • Both Type I and Type II MAGE genes exhibit lineage-specific evolutionary patterns.
  • Type I MAGE orthologs consistently show restricted germ cell expression across evolution.
  • Type I MAGEs lack conserved promoters, indicating a significant role for epigenetic regulation, unlike Type II MAGEs.
  • Type I MAGE genes, but not Type II, have undergone positive selection at the codon level.
  • Evidence suggests ongoing evolution of Type I MAGE promoters and genes in the hominin lineage.

Conclusions:

  • MAGE gene evolution is characterized by lineage-specific diversification, particularly in Type I genes.
  • Epigenetic mechanisms are crucial for regulating Type I MAGE expression.
  • Positive selection and promoter evolution in Type I MAGEs suggest adaptation and functional diversification in the human lineage.