Articles tagged with Gene Duplication
Researchers found that African elephants have the largest number of olfactory receptor genes, with almost 2,000 OR genes. This unique repertoire is likely important for their living environment and allows them to detect subtle scents.
Researchers captured a genetic snapshot of maize 10 million years ago and traced how it used copied genes to cope with domestication pressures. These gene copies played a vital role in optimizing photosynthesis in maize leaves.
A study has found that copy number variants (CNVs) are a common event contributing to various conditions, including blindness, deafness, and metabolic disorders. CNV screening can aid in diagnosis, clinical management, and prognosis, providing valuable information for reproductive counselling.
Researchers found that duplication of the OTX2 gene is associated with hemifacial microsomia, a common facial disorder. The study used genomic analysis to identify the genetic cause of the condition in a large family affected by HFM.
The Carnegie Mellon team developed an algorithm that generates robust architectures for computer networks by analyzing the evolution of molecular connections in yeast cells. This approach can help understand how networks respond to cascading failures and external threats, offering insights into designing secure systems.
Electric fish have evolved sophisticated communication systems using modified muscle cells, allowing them to bypass predators in the dark. A gene duplication event led to the specialized Scn4aa sodium channel gene, which may have driven quicker evolution and adaptation in electric fish.
Researchers have sequenced the rainbow trout genome, revealing that roughly half of protein coding genes have been deleted since a genetic doubling event 100 million years ago. The study also shows retention of microRNA genes and original genes involved in embryonic development.
Scientists have discovered a correlation between the number of duplicated genes and a species' ability to adapt to novel environments. Higher numbers of these 'small-scale duplication genes' are associated with better adaptation, while lower numbers may hinder species survival.
A new study explains how DNA methylation protects duplicate genes, allowing them to evolve into new cellular functions. The research found that young duplicate genes are heavily methylated, shielding them from natural selection.
Researchers at LSTM have discovered the combination of genetic mutations that enable mosquitoes to develop multiple and extreme-level resistance to insecticides. The study identifies two key genes, CYP6M2 and CYP6P3, which are highly expressed in resistant mosquitoes and can confer resistance across different classes of insecticides.
Researchers at BRIC, University of Copenhagen, have developed a new technology that can isolate histones and follow dynamic duplication processes in cells. The technology has identified 100 new molecular components involved in chromatin duplication and maintenance of cell memory.
Researchers discovered a new gene called RCO that inhibits cell proliferation and growth between leaflets, allowing dissected leaves to form. The loss of this gene in Arabidopsis thaliana results in simple, entire leaves.
A study by researchers at UC Davis found 248 new genes that exist only in Drosophila melanogaster, emerging from ancestrally non-coding DNA. These genes showed evidence of being under selection and were more likely to be larger and more complex.
A research team, including Anthony Wynshaw-Boris and Shinya Yamanaka, successfully used induced pluripotent stem cell reprogramming to correct a defective ring chromosome with a normal one. This approach has potential to treat birth defects, mental disabilities, and growth limitations caused by chromosomal abnormalities.
Scientists discover genetic mechanisms allowing Plasmodium vivax parasite to invade red blood cells, potentially rendering Duffy-negative individuals susceptible to vivax malaria. The research suggests the parasite may be rapidly evolving, increasing the risk for millions of Africans who previously had natural protection.
The decoded kiwifruit genome shows significant genetic similarities with other plant species like potatoes and tomatoes, highlighting two major evolutionary events that occurred millions of years ago. The study provides valuable resources for kiwifruit research and breeding programs to improve fruit quality and disease resistance.
Researchers connected human complex diseases to specific genes using zebrafish models, identifying a powerful tool for unraveling rare genetic conditions. The study shows that copy-number variants can affect multiple genes simultaneously, but manipulation of individual genes in zebrafish reveals their contribution to disease pathology.
Researchers found yeast cells can multiply up to six of their chromosomes during cell division and reverse this process, allowing for rapid adaptation to environmental conditions. This discovery provides a new model organism for studying aneuploidy and its potential implications for diagnosing and treating human diseases.
A study has shown how a relatively young gene can acquire an essential function and become crucial for an organism's survival. Researchers found that the novel essential gene in fruit flies, born via gene duplication, acquired its role through stepwise changes over 15 million years.
Researchers from CNIO describe how a genetic duplication 500 million years ago led to the evolution of the ASF1b gene, essential for proper cell division and related to breast cancer. The study's findings highlight the importance of studying molecular history to understand gene adaptation in cancer.
Researchers mapped a young gene's journey to becoming essential in fruit flies, challenging the paradigm that only ancient genes are important. The study found that young and rapidly evolving genes can be indispensable too.
The sacred lotus genome sequencing reveals its close resemblance to the ancestor of all eudicots, a group including apple, cabbage, and soybean. The study found that duplicated genes related to wax formation and survival in mineral-starved habitats were retained, making lotus an ideal reference plant for studying other eudicots.
A team of scientists has sequenced the genome of the sacred lotus, revealing its powerful genetic system that repairs genetic defects and may hold secrets about aging. The research could lead to a better understanding of anti-aging mechanisms and potential applications for human health.
Researchers identify key findings in a large-scale study of individuals with int dup(15), including maternal and paternal duplications. The study found elevated levels of GABA and previously unknown sleep problems in affected subjects, providing significant insights into the disorder.
Researchers discover collisions between DNA duplication and transcription machineries cause chromosomal alterations in tumor cells. Genomic fragile sites are identified as contributing to genome instability throughout evolution.
Researchers used advanced microscopy to track telomere movement in real-time throughout the cell cycle, finding they move to the outer edge of the nucleus after duplication. This reorganization may help maintain correct gene expression profiles and influence aging and cancer development.
Researchers have reconstructed DNA and proteins from prehistoric yeast cells to examine evolutionary forces that shaped modern-day enzymes. They found that copying existing genes led to the emergence of new enzymes with different sugar-b Breaking down different sugars.
A new gene called miR-941 has been found to play a crucial role in human brain development and may have contributed to the evolution of language and tool use. This unique gene emerged between six and one million years ago, making it a significant discovery in understanding what makes humans different from apes.
A recent study published in Science suggests that evolution can be predictable by understanding a species' genes and how external conditions affect proteins. By analyzing DNA sequences from 29 insect species, researchers found that certain traits evolve similarly due to environmental pressures.
Researchers have shown how living organisms evolve new functions from limited genes by duplicating and mutating existing genes. The 'innovation, amplification and divergence' model explains how a newly duplicated gene sticks around long enough to pick up a useful new function.
A recent genome-wide evaluation by Boston University School of Medicine researchers has found specific genes and alterations in their expression to be associated with an increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease. The study identified cis-effects in the MAPT region and trans-effects involving SNCA, MAPT, and RIT2 genes.
Researchers at Michigan State University have discovered how E. coli evolved to consume citrate, a previously inaccessible food source. The study reveals that multiple mutations were required for the bacteria to develop this new trait, and that complex traits can evolve quickly and repeatedly in microbial populations.
A recent study published in Genome Biology and Evolution found that paddlefish have a duplicated genome, adding complexity to comparative studies. This discovery may require re-interpreting previous research on the fin-to-limb transition using paddlefish as a proxy for human ancestors.
Researchers found a critical gene responsible for human brain features, duplicated around two million years ago. The partial copy's interaction with the original gene likely enabled cognitive changes and neuron development benefits.
Researchers at Brookhaven Lab used cryo-electron microscopy to visualize how protein machines bind to DNA strands, setting up for duplication. This study may lead to new ways to attack cancers by targeting the basic process of cell division.
Researchers found that Crh and Oprm1 genes are implicated in anxiety and social behavior problems caused by excess MeCP2 protein in mice. Reducing levels of these genes alleviated symptoms, suggesting a potential treatment approach for patients with MeCP2 duplication syndrome.
A team of scientists recreated the evolution of complexity in a molecular machine by analyzing ancient genes and testing their functions in modern organisms. They found that the increase in complexity was due to complementary loss of ancestral functions rather than gaining new ones.
Tree frogs with matching chromosome numbers have distinct vocal performances, which female frogs preferentially respond to. This study provides new insights into how new frog species may evolve through rapid changes in behavior and reproductive isolation.
Researchers at the Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia have uncovered a molecular mechanism that enables cells to accurately inherit non-genetic information, such as protein structures. This epigenetic memory is crucial for maintaining genome organization and preventing errors in cell division, which can lead to cancer.
Stowers researchers used baker's yeast to study chromosome separation and found that Mps3 ensures accurate spindle pole body duplication, which is crucial for cell division. They also discovered a novel mutant with defects in nuclear membrane structure and function.
Researchers discovered that longer flanking repeat regions and timing of genetic recombination affect the risk of genomic disorders. Studies on Smith-Magenis syndrome and Potocki-Lupski syndrome found correlations between chromosome length and genetic material loss or duplication.
Researchers found a shared, unusual genomic architecture in patients with severe diseases, including MECP2 duplication syndrome and Pelizaeus-Merzbacher Disease. This structure is associated with increased genetic material dosage and makes the disorder worse.
Research identifies a new gene regulatory region on chromosome 17 involved in testicle formation in individuals with XX or XY chromosomes. The discovery sheds light on the complex mechanism of human sex development, revealing a missing link in the testis development system.
Researchers at Cruces Hospital describe a new syndrome of limited family intellectual disability caused by the duplication of the RPS6KA3 gene. This discovery highlights the importance of genetic research in understanding rare conditions, particularly those with limited intellectual impairment.
Researchers have discovered that certain transposon elements can coordinate their movement with DNA replication, allowing them to spread more rapidly through genomes. P elements, one such transposon, tend to insert themselves near the beginning of genes and at regions functioning as starting sites or origins for DNA duplication.
A genetic cause of extreme thinness has been identified for the first time, with people having extra copies of certain genes being more likely to be underweight. Half of children with a duplicated part of chromosome 16 have been diagnosed with failure to thrive and a quarter have microcephaly.
Researchers found that plants like Arabidopsis thaliana can speed up DNA duplication, leading to increased growth and seed production after being grazed. This process allows plants to increase their DNA content, protein production, and cell size, ultimately boosting their reproductive success.
Researchers from Salk Institute and Dana Farber Cancer Institute mapped thousands of protein-to-protein interactions in Arabidopsis thaliana, revealing networks and functional groups. The dataset provides new insights into plant evolution and potential for breeding more resilient agricultural plants.
Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine identified a gene related to HPRT1 that explains why mice with the same mutation do not exhibit self-destructive behavior like humans. The PRTFDC1 gene may be a target for treating Lesch-Nyhan disease, a condition characterized by delayed development and neurological problems.
A UBC graduate student found that the mangrove fish's eyes have separate opsin genes for aerial and aquatic light, enabling adaptation to its environment. The study shows how gene duplication can lead to innovation in organisms.
Researchers at UTHealth have discovered a link between chromosome region 16p13.1 and thoracic aortic disease, finding that patients with duplications are 12 times more likely to develop the condition. The study identified nine genes in this region, which may contribute to the development of aneurysms and dissections.
A study of roundworm chromosomes may provide insight into large-scale genome duplications that occur in developing tumors. The research found that chromosome ends erode and fuse, creating genome rearrangements that contribute to tumor development.
The freshwater crustacean Daphnia pulex has the most genes, with approximately 31,000, which is three times greater than that of humans. Its genome sequenced, providing new insights into environmental stress and gene functions.
Researchers have discovered a novel molecular mechanism that triggers plant infection by Pseudomonas syringae, a bacterium responsible for bacterial speck in tomatoes. The two-gene system is an evolutionary innovation that has provided the bacteria with a selective advantage, allowing them to infect a wide range of plants.
Scientists discovered that bacteria acquire genes to expand protein families, largely through horizontal gene transfer. This process is key to their adaptability and ability to evolve antibiotic resistance.
Scientists have discovered that bacterial and archaea microbes primarily acquire new genes through horizontal gene transfer, a process responsible for the diversification of protein families. This study highlights the importance of this process in microbial evolution and its role in shaping the biochemical diversity of life.
A team of researchers has successfully demonstrated the molecular evolution of two competing functions from a single gene, AFP III, which helps Antarctic fish survive in frigid waters. The study confirms the ancestry of antifreeze proteins and validates a decades-old hypothesis about gene duplication.
A team of researchers discovered a chromosomal abnormality in chromosome 17 region associated with clubfoot, a genetic cause for the condition. The study found that 6% of familial clubfoot cases had a duplication in this region, which may help predict treatment response and identify patients at risk of hip abnormalities.
Yeast's ability to convert sugar to alcohol is attributed to duplicated genes at the chromosome margins, allowing for optimal sugar processing. This process likely evolved in beer and wine yeasts around the Cretaceous era, enabling them to digest various sugars.
Researchers found that gene duplication events led to functional diversity in sunflower genes, including a gene variant that lengthened flower growth periods. This trait may have been favored by early Native Americans for domestication purposes.