Parallel Evolution of Non-Coding Elements in Developmental Genes
Author Information
Author(s): Vavouri Tanya, Walter Klaudia, Gilks Walter R, Lehner Ben, Elgar Greg
Primary Institution: Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute
Hypothesis
Do conserved non-coding elements (CNEs) in invertebrates reflect parallel evolution with those in vertebrates?
Conclusion
A core set of genes that regulate development is associated with CNEs across three animal groups (worms, flies, and vertebrates).
Supporting Evidence
- CNEs are associated with genes involved in transcription regulation and development.
- 40 of 156 human CNE-associated genes with invertebrate orthologs are also associated with CNEs in both worms and flies.
- CNEs may represent the genomic traces of core gene regulatory networks that specify the development of each alternative animal body plan.
Takeaway
Scientists found that certain DNA sequences that don't code for proteins are important for development and are similar in worms, flies, and humans, showing how these animals evolved in similar ways.
Methodology
The study identified conserved non-coding elements (CNEs) in the genomes of C. elegans and C. briggsae using sequence similarity searches and analyzed their association with developmental regulatory genes.
Limitations
The study primarily focuses on a limited number of species and may not capture the full diversity of CNEs across all animal lineages.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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