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Discovery of 119-million-year-old selfish genes in yeast potentially alters our understanding of how parasitic DNA impacts genome evolution

Researchers have discovered a family of selfish genes, wtf, that have survived for over 100 million years in yeast, contradicting established beliefs on their longevity. These 'killer meiotic drivers' transmit themselves to half of offspring and destroy reproductive cells without being suppressed by natural selection.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournaleLife·TypeObservational study·DateOct 19, 2022

How sex pheromones diversify: Lessons from yeast

The study found that one pheromone operates strictly while the other is free to undergo diversification, a mechanism that may lead to reproductive isolation and speciation. This asymmetric system allows for flexible adaptation to mutational changes while maintaining recognition of mating partners.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJan 22, 2019

Mutation and 3D modeling reveal new structure to cell division process

Researchers at OIST Graduate University challenge cohesin's ring-shaped model by demonstrating that a mutation can't break down the complex, suggesting it may have a different structure. A new hold-and-release model proposes cohesin is like a jaw that holds chromatids in place and then opens to allow chromatin to move.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 2, 2018