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Gene Duplication and Divergence02:37

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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.
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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 Hedgehog gene (Hh) was first discovered due to its control of the growth of disorganized, hair-like bristles phenotype in Drosophila, much like hedgehog spines. Hh plays a crucial role in the development of organs and the maintenance of homeostasis in both invertebrates and vertebrates. However, while Drosophila has only one Hh protein, mammals have multiple functional Hedgehog proteins - Sonic (Shh), Desert (Dhh), and Indian Hedgehog (Ihh). All of these homologous proteins have adapted to...
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Tissue-specific transcription factors contribute to diverse cellular functions in mammals. For example, the gene for beta globin, a major component of hemoglobin, is present in all cells of the body. However, it is only expressed in red blood cells because the transcription factors that can bind to the promoter sequences of the beta globin gene are only expressed in these cells. Tissue-specific transcription factors also ensure that mutations in these factors may impair only the function of...
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Pleiotropy is the phenomenon in which a single gene impacts multiple, seemingly unrelated phenotypic traits. For example, defects in the SOX10 gene cause Waardenburg Syndrome Type 4, or WS4, which can cause defects in pigmentation, hearing impairments, and an absence of intestinal contractions necessary for elimination. This diversity of phenotypes results from the expression pattern of SOX10 in early embryonic and fetal development. SOX10 is found in neural crest cells that form melanocytes,...
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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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Diversification and Functional Evolution of HOX Proteins.

Narendra Pratap Singh1, Robb Krumlauf1,2

  • 1Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO, United States.

Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology
|June 1, 2022
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Summary

Gene duplication drives animal evolution by creating new proteins and features. This review examines how gene duplication and functional divergence, particularly in HOX proteins, shape animal diversity.

Keywords:
DrosophilaHOX proteinsgene duplication and divergencemouseprotein evolution

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary biology
  • Molecular evolution
  • Genomics

Background:

  • Gene duplication and divergence are key drivers of morphological diversity and novel trait evolution in vertebrates.
  • Genome sequencing advances understanding of gene and regulatory element evolution.
  • Assessing protein functional conservation and divergence remains challenging, often relying on sequence comparison and in vitro studies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide an overview of gene duplication and functional divergence.
  • To focus on the functional evolution of HOX proteins as a case study.
  • To illustrate evolutionary changes underlying diversification and their role in animal evolution.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on gene duplication and functional divergence.
  • Comparative analysis of protein sequences.
  • In vitro functional assays (mentioned as traditional methods).
  • Focus on HOX protein family evolution.

Main Results:

  • Gene duplication generates protein diversity, contributing to evolutionary novelty.
  • Functional divergence within gene families, like HOX proteins, underlies phenotypic diversification.
  • HOX protein evolution is crucial for understanding animal body plan development and diversification.

Conclusions:

  • Gene duplication and subsequent functional divergence are fundamental mechanisms in vertebrate evolution.
  • The study of HOX protein evolution provides critical insights into the genetic basis of animal form and diversity.
  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate the complex interplay between gene duplication, functional divergence, and phenotypic evolution.