Substitution as a mechanism for genetic robustness: The duplicated deacetylases Hst1p and Sir2p in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
2007
How Duplicated Genes Help Yeast Survive Mutations
publication
Evidence: high
Author Information
Author(s): Hickman Meleah A, Rusche Laura N
Primary Institution: Duke University
Hypothesis
How do duplicated genes provide genetic robustness against null mutations?
Conclusion
The study shows that the duplicated deacetylases Hst1p and Sir2p can substitute for each other to provide genetic robustness in yeast.
Supporting Evidence
- The study found that Sir2p can substitute for Hst1p when Hst1p is absent.
- Sir2p was shown to interact with the Sum1 complex to help repress genes normally controlled by Hst1p.
- Deletion of both HST1 and SIR2 resulted in greater derepression of genes than deletion of HST1 alone.
Takeaway
When one gene is missing, another similar gene can step in to help the yeast survive. This shows how having extra copies of genes can be helpful.
Methodology
The study used genetic and biochemical methods to analyze the roles of Hst1p and Sir2p in gene repression and robustness.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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