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Related Concept Videos

Gene Duplication and Divergence02:37

Gene Duplication and Divergence

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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...
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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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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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Protein families are groups of homologous proteins; that is, they have similarities in amino acid sequences and three-dimensional structures. Protein families usually occur because of gene duplication, where an additional copy of a gene is inserted into the genome of an organism.   Mutations that change the amino acids but still allow the protein to be properly synthesized, will lead to new protein family members.   If these new proteins contain similar amino acids in key...
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Evolution shapes the features of organisms over time, ensuring that they are suited for the environments in which they live. Sometimes, selection pressure leads to the rise of similar but unrelated adaptations in organisms with no recent common ancestors, a process known as convergent evolution.
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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.
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Related Experiment Video

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High Resolution Whole Mount In Situ Hybridization within Zebrafish Embryos to Study Gene Expression and Function
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Fish lysozyme gene family evolution and divergent function in early development.

Lisen Li1, João C R Cardoso1, Rute C Félix1

  • 1Comparative Endocrinology and Integrative Biology, Centre of Marine Sciences, Universidade Do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal.

Developmental and Comparative Immunology
|July 31, 2020
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Summary

Lysozymes, vital antimicrobial enzymes, evolved uniquely in fish, with C-type and G-type genes showing distinct patterns. This study reveals ancient gene presence and maternal immune variations in fish eggs.

Keywords:
EvolutionFishInnate immunityLysozymesOntogeny

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary biology
  • Immunology
  • Genomics

Background:

  • Lysozymes are ancient antimicrobial enzymes crucial for innate immunity across vertebrates.
  • Fish represent the most diverse vertebrate group, making them ideal for studying immune system evolution.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To conduct a comparative analysis of lysozyme evolution and function during early fish development.
  • To investigate the evolutionary relationships of C-type and G-type lysozyme genes in teleosts and tetrapods.

Main Methods:

  • Phylogenetic analysis of lysozyme gene families (C-type and G-type).
  • Gene synteny analysis to assess genome region conservation.
  • Expression analysis of lysozyme homologues in fish tissues, eggs, and larvae.

Main Results:

  • Teleost lysozyme G-type genes cluster with tetrapod homologues.
  • Teleost C-type lysozyme genes form three distinct clusters with tetrapods, including novel groupings with mammalian Lyzl1/2 and LALBA.
  • The lactalbumin (LALBA) gene homologue was identified in teleosts for the first time, expressed in skin and during early development.
  • Lysozyme activity was detected in fish eggs, with variations between species and brood stock, indicating differential maternal immune protection.

Conclusions:

  • Lysozyme gene families (lyz, lyzl1/2, lalba, lyg) existed early in gnathostome evolution and have undergone lineage-specific evolution and chromosomal rearrangements in fish.
  • The identification and expression of LALBA in teleosts highlight its conserved role.
  • Variations in lysozyme activity and gene expression in eggs suggest species-specific maternal immune strategies in fish.