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Origin and evolution of a chimeric fusion gene in Drosophila subobscura, D. madeirensis and D. guanche.

ABSTRACT: An understanding of the mutational and evolutionary mechanisms underlying the emergence of novel genes is critical to studies of phenotypic and genomic evolution. Here we describe a new example of a recently formed chimeric fusion gene that occurs in Drosophila guanche, D. madeirensis, and D. subobscura. This new gene, which we name Adh-Twain, resulted from an Adh mRNA that retrotransposed into the Gapdh-like gene, CG9010. Adh-Twain is transcribed; its 5' promoters and transcription patterns appear similar to those of CG9010. Population genetic and phylogenetic analyses suggest that the amino acid sequence of Adh-Twain evolved rapidly via directional selection shortly after it arose. Its more recent history, however, is characterized by slower evolution consistent with increasing functional constraints. We present a model for the origin of this new gene and discuss genetic and evolutionary factors affecting the evolution of new genes and functions.

SUBMITTER: Jones CD

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1449717 | biostudies-literature | 2005 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Origin and evolution of a chimeric fusion gene in Drosophila subobscura, D. madeirensis and D. guanche.

Jones Corbin D CD Custer Andrew W AW Begun David J DJ

Genetics 20050321 1

An understanding of the mutational and evolutionary mechanisms underlying the emergence of novel genes is critical to studies of phenotypic and genomic evolution. Here we describe a new example of a recently formed chimeric fusion gene that occurs in Drosophila guanche, D. madeirensis, and D. subobscura. This new gene, which we name Adh-Twain, resulted from an Adh mRNA that retrotransposed into the Gapdh-like gene, CG9010. Adh-Twain is transcribed; its 5' promoters and transcription patterns app ...[more]

PMID: 15781692

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Project description:BackgroundDespite its pervasiveness, the genetic basis of adaptation resulting in variation directly or indirectly related to temperature (climatic) gradients is poorly understood. By using 3-fold replicated laboratory thermal stocks covering much of the physiologically tolerable temperature range for the temperate (i.e., cold tolerant) species Drosophila subobscura we have assessed whole-genome transcriptional responses after three years of thermal adaptation, when the populations had already diverged for inversion frequencies, pre-adult life history components, and morphological traits. Total mRNA from each population was compared to a reference pool mRNA in a standard, highly replicated two-colour competitive hybridization experiment using cDNA microarrays.ResultsA total of 306 (6.6%) cDNA clones were identified as 'differentially expressed' (following a false discovery rate correction) after contrasting the two furthest apart thermal selection regimes (i.e., 13 degrees C vs . 22 degrees C), also including four previously reported candidate genes for thermotolerance in Drosophila (Hsp26, Hsp68, Fst, and Treh). On the other hand, correlated patterns of gene expression were similar in cold- and warm-adapted populations. Analysis of functional categories defined by the Gene Ontology project point to an overrepresentation of genes involved in carbohydrate metabolism, nucleic acids metabolism and regulation of transcription among other categories. Although the location of differently expressed genes was approximately at random with respect to chromosomes, a physical mapping of 88 probes to the polytene chromosomes of D. subobscura has shown that a larger than expected number mapped inside inverted chromosomal segments.ConclusionOur data suggest that a sizeable number of genes appear to be involved in thermal adaptation in Drosophila, with a substantial fraction implicated in metabolism. This apparently illustrates the formidable challenge to understanding the adaptive evolution of complex trait variation. Furthermore, some clustering of genes within inverted chromosomal sections was detected. Disentangling the effects of inversions will be obviously required in any future approach if we want to identify the relevant candidate genes.

Dataset Information

Origin and evolution of a chimeric fusion gene in Drosophila subobscura, D. madeirensis and D. guanche.

Publications

Origin and evolution of a chimeric fusion gene in Drosophila subobscura, D. madeirensis and D. guanche.

Similar Datasets

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