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Related Concept Videos

Cis-regulatory Sequences02:02

Cis-regulatory Sequences

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Cis-regulatory sequences are short fragments of non-coding DNA that are present on the same chromosomes as the genes that they regulate. These fragments serve as binding sites for transcriptional regulators, proteins that are responsible for controlling gene transcription and differential gene expression across cell types in eukaryotes. Cis-regulatory sequences can be close to the gene of interest or thousands of bases away in the DNA sequence; however, those sequences that are further away are...
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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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Exon Recombination02:32

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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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Genetic Screens02:46

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Genetic screens are tools used to identify genes and mutations responsible for phenotypes of interest. Genetic screens help identify individuals or a group of people at risk of developing  genetic diseases and help them with early intervention, targeted therapy, and reproductive options.
Forward genetic screens
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Genome Size and the Evolution of New Genes03:21

Genome Size and the Evolution of New Genes

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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.
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Speciation is the evolutionary process resulting in the formation of new, distinct species—groups of reproductively isolated populations.
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Updated: Jun 11, 2025

Shifting Zebrafish Lethal Skeletal Mutant Penetrance by Progeny Testing
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Ancient developmental genes underlie evolutionary novelties in walking fish.

Amy L Herbert1, Corey A H Allard2, Matthew J McCoy3

  • 1Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.

Current Biology : CB
|September 27, 2024
PubMed
Summary

Sea robins evolved unique leg-like fins for ocean floor movement. A gene called tbx3a is key to forming these specialized appendages and associated behaviors, offering insights into major evolutionary trait gain.

Keywords:
cis- and trans- regulatory changesevolutionary innovationgenomics and genome editinghybrids and species differencesleg-like appendageslimb and fin developmentsea robinsensory papillaetbx3 and Ulnar-mammary syndromewalking fish

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary biology
  • Developmental genetics
  • Comparative genomics

Background:

  • Understanding the evolution of novel traits in wild populations is challenging.
  • Sea robins possess unique leg-like appendages used for locomotion and digging on the ocean floor.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the genetic and molecular basis of the evolution of specialized leg-like appendages in sea robins.
  • To identify key genes involved in the development of these novel structures.

Main Methods:

  • Genome sequencing
  • Transcriptional profiling
  • Interspecific hybrid analysis
  • Genome editing

Main Results:

  • The transcription factor tbx3a was identified as a major determinant of sensory leg development.
  • tbx3a is essential for the formation of sea robin legs, enlarged central nervous system lobes, and sensory papillae.
  • tbx3a also plays a role in adult digging behavior.

Conclusions:

  • Sea robins serve as a valuable model organism for studying the evolution of major trait gain.
  • Ancient, conserved developmental genes like tbx3a can underlie the formation of novel organs and complex traits.