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The BC200 RNA gene and its neural expression are conserved in Anthropoidea (Primates)
B V Skryabin1, J Kremerskothen, D Vassilacopoulou
1Institute for Experimental Pathology, ZMBE, University of Münster, Von-Esmarch-Str. 56, D-48149 Münster, Germany.
Journal of Molecular Evolution
|December 16, 1998
Summary
The BC200 gene, originating from an Alu element, is present in primates and functions in the nervous system. Its conserved expression and RNP association suggest evolutionary selection pressure over millions of years.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Neuroscience
- Molecular biology
Background:
- The BC200 gene originated from a monomeric Alu element and was exapted for a nervous system function.
- BC200 RNA is known to be brain-specific and exists as a ribonucleoprotein particle (RNP).
Purpose of the Study:
- To confirm the presence of the BC200 gene in Anthropoidea primates.
- To investigate the evolutionary history and selective pressures on the BC200 gene and its regulatory regions.
- To examine the conservation of BC200 RNA expression and RNP formation across primate species.
Main Methods:
- Comparative sequence analysis of the BC200 gene and its flanking regions in 12 primate species.
- Analysis of substitution rates and CpG dimer conservation.
- Assessment of brain-specific expression and RNP formation in primate species.
Main Results:
- The BC200 gene is confirmed in several Anthropoidea species.
- A significantly higher substitution rate was observed in the 5' flanking region compared to the coding region.
- Increased conservation of CpG dimers in the RNA coding region versus the 5' flanking region was noted.
- Brain-specific expression and RNP association of BC200 RNA are conserved in Old World and New World monkeys.
Conclusions:
- The gene encoding BC200 RNA arose at least 35-55 million years ago.
- The presence, expression pattern, and RNP association of BC200 RNA are under significant selective pressure.
- These findings highlight the evolutionary adaptation of a gene derived from a mobile element for a crucial neural function.