Evolution of a New Function by Degenerative Mutation in Cephalochordate Steroid Receptors
Author Information
Author(s): Bridgham Jamie T., Brown Justine E., RodrÃguez-Marà Adriana, Catchen Julian M., Thornton Joseph W.
Primary Institution: University of Oregon
Hypothesis
How do degenerative mutations in duplicate genes lead to new functions?
Conclusion
The study shows that degenerative mutations can create new functions in steroid hormone receptors by allowing one receptor to repress the activity of another.
Supporting Evidence
- The study identified two steroid receptors in B. floridae, one of which acts as a competitive repressor.
- Mutations in the repressor receptor were shown to inhibit the function of the other receptor.
- Both receptors are coexpressed in gonadal tissues, suggesting a regulatory role.
Takeaway
When genes duplicate, one copy can change and become a repressor of the other, which helps the organism adapt better.
Methodology
The researchers isolated and characterized steroid receptors from the cephalochordate Branchiostoma floridae and analyzed their functions through various assays.
Limitations
The study primarily focuses on a single species and may not represent broader evolutionary patterns across all chordates.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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