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Emergence and evolution of Zfp36l3
Timothy J Gingerich1, Deborah J Stumpo1, Wi S Lai1
1Laboratory of Signal Transduction, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution
|October 24, 2015
Summary
The rodent-specific Zfp36l3 gene, crucial for reproduction, originated from a retrotransposed Zfp36l2 gene. It has rapidly evolved unique features, demonstrating new gene emergence and evolution mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Genomics
- Evolutionary Biology
- Molecular Genetics
Background:
- The Zfp36 gene family regulates post-transcriptional gene expression via mRNA stability.
- Zfp36l3 is a rodent-specific member, vital for fecundity in Mus musculus, with expression limited to the placenta and yolk sac.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the evolutionary origin and diversification of the Zfp36l3 gene.
- To understand the mechanisms of new gene emergence and evolution using Zfp36l3 as a model.
Main Methods:
- Comparative sequencing of the Zfp36l3 gene across over 20 rodent species.
- Bioinformatic analysis to trace gene origin and identify evolutionary modifications.
Main Results:
- Zfp36l3 is exclusive to the Muroidea superfamily, originating via retrotransposition of Zfp36l2 mRNA onto an ancestral X chromosome.
- The gene has undergone rapid evolution, including altered start codon usage, de novo intron formation, and acquisition of repetitive regions.
- Specific repeat regions influence protein localization; Mus musculus ZFP36L3 is cytoplasmic due to an alanine-rich sequence, while Peromyscus maniculatus ZFP36L3 utilizes a nuclear export sequence.
Conclusions:
- Zfp36l3 represents a recently acquired, rapidly evolving gene in rodents.
- Its evolution showcases diverse mechanisms of new gene emergence, including retrotransposition and subsequent functional diversification.
- Studying Zfp36l3 provides insights into the dynamic processes of gene birth and adaptation.
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