Vertebrate Paralogous MEF2 Genes: Origin, Conservation, and Evolution
2011
Evolution of MEF2 Genes in Vertebrates
Sample size: 102
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Wu Wenwu, de Folter Stefan, Shen Xia, Zhang Wenqian, Tao Shiheng
Primary Institution: Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
Hypothesis
What is the origin and evolutionary relationship of the MEF2 gene family in vertebrates?
Conclusion
The study reveals that MEF2B evolves faster than the other MEF2 proteins and identifies specific sites under positive selection.
Supporting Evidence
- Phylogenetic analysis shows that MEF2B is the most distant from the other three MEF2 proteins.
- Three duplication events might have occurred to produce the four MEF2 paralogous genes.
- MEF2B evolves faster than the other three MEF2 proteins despite purifying selection on all four branches.
- Sites 53 and 64 along the MEF2B branch are under positive selection.
Takeaway
Scientists studied a family of genes called MEF2 that help muscles grow and found that one of them, MEF2B, changes faster than the others, which might help it adapt better.
Methodology
Phylogenetic analyses were conducted to investigate the origin, conservation, and evolution of the MEF2 genes.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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