Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Experiment Videos

On the pattern of polymorphisms at major histocompatibility complex loci

T Ohta1

  • 1National Institute of Genetics, Mishima 411-8540, Japan. tohta@lab.nig.ac.jp

Journal of Molecular Evolution
|June 18, 1998
PubMed
Summary

Computer simulations reveal that both overdominance and maternal-fetal incompatibility explain major histocompatibility complex (MHC) gene polymorphisms. Higher interlocus conversion rates correlate with increased genetic divergence.

Related Concept Videos

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Characterization of the gene encoding human pituitary-specific transcription factor, Pit-1.

Gene·1992
Same author

Hyperphosphorylation of cytokeratins 8 and 18 by microcystin-LR, a new liver tumor promoter, in primary cultured rat hepatocytes.

Carcinogenesis·1992
Same author

Isolation of 2 novel RFLP markers and their localization at 2q35 by microdissection and subsequent enzymatic amplification.

The Japanese journal of human genetics·1992
Same author

Sensitive period for the induction of endoreduplication by rotenone in cultured Chinese hamster cells.

Chromosoma·1992
Same author

Russuphelin A, a new cytotoxic substance from the mushroom Russula subnigricans Hongo.

Chemical & pharmaceutical bulletin·1992
Same author

Argyrophilic nucleolar organizer region counts in exocrine pancreatic tumors.

International journal of pancreatology : official journal of the International Association of Pancreatology·1992

Area of Science:

  • Population genetics
  • Molecular evolution
  • Immunogenetics

Background:

  • The Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) plays a critical role in immune response and is known for its high degree of polymorphism.
  • Understanding the evolutionary forces shaping MHC polymorphism is crucial for fields ranging from evolutionary biology to transplantation medicine.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of different selection models and gene conversion on MHC polymorphism patterns.
  • To compare the effects of overdominance with short-term selection versus maternal-fetal incompatibility on MHC evolution.
  • To analyze the relationship between interlocus gene conversion rates and genetic divergence at synonymous and nonsynonymous sites.

Main Methods:

  • Computer simulations were employed to model selection pressures and gene conversion events.

Related Experiment Videos

  • DNA sequence analysis was used to compare simulation outputs with observed patterns of polymorphism in MHC genes.
  • Specific focus was placed on analyzing divergence at nonsynonymous and synonymous sites, particularly within antigen recognition sites (ARS).

    • Main Results:

    • Both simulated selection models (overdominance/short-term selection and maternal-fetal incompatibility) were consistent with observed MHC polymorphism patterns.
    • Increased interlocus gene conversion rates led to higher divergence at both synonymous and nonsynonymous sites.
    • The ratio of nonsynonymous-to-synonymous divergence decreased with higher interlocus conversion rates, suggesting a lower rate in human genes compared to other mammals.
    • Maternal-fetal incompatibility resulted in higher heterozygosity and allele numbers but lower average divergence compared to overdominance models.

    Conclusions:

    • Both overdominance and maternal-fetal incompatibility are plausible explanations for MHC polymorphism.
    • Interlocus gene conversion significantly influences the patterns of genetic divergence within MHC gene families.
    • Observed differences in divergence patterns between human and non-primate mammalian MHC genes may reflect varying rates of interlocus gene conversion.