The study of the evolution of novel genes generally focuses on the formation of new coding sequences. However, equally important in the evolution of novel functional genes are the formation of regulatory regions that allow the expression of the genes and the effects of the new genes in the organism as well. Herein, we discuss the current knowledge on the evolution of novel functional genes, and we examine in more detail the youngest genes discovered. We examine the existing data on a very recent and rapidly evolving cluster of duplicated genes, the Sdic gene cluster. This cluster of genes is an excellent model for the evolution of novel genes, as it is very recent and may still be in the process of evolving.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
---|---|
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3395120 | PMC |
http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2012/821645 | DOI Listing |
Exp Appl Acarol
January 2025
Laboratorio de Vectores y Enfermedades Transmitidas, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, CENUR Litoral Norte, Universidad de la República, Salto, Uruguay.
Babesia species (Piroplasmida) are hemoparasites that infect erythrocytes of mammals and birds and are mainly transmitted by hard ticks (Acari: Ixodidae). These hemoparasites are known to be the second most common parasites infecting mammals, after trypanosomes, and some species may cause malaria-like disease in humans. Diagnosis and understanding of Babesia diversity increasingly rely on genetic data obtained through molecular techniques.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFSci Rep
January 2025
Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti út 12, Pécs, 7624, Hungary.
Mammarenaviruses (genus Mammarenavirus, family Arenaviridae) are rodent-borne zoonotic viruses consisting of 52 viral species, including ten that are pathogenic to humans. Currently, only two endemic mammarenavirus species are known in Europe: the human pathogenic Mammarenavirus choriomeningitidis (LCMV) and the recently discovered hedgehog-origin Mammarenavirus mecsekense (MEMV). In this study, 59 faecal specimens from Northern white-breasted hedgehogs (Erinaceus roumanicus) from different geographic regions in Hungary were investigated for mammarenavirus presence and complete genome characterization using newly designed screening primers by RT-semi-nested PCR and sequencing methods.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFSci Rep
January 2025
Department of Mathematics and Statistics, College of Science, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, 21944, Taif, Saudi Arabia.
The monkeypox virus (MPXV), which is a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus in the class Poxviridae, is the causative agent of the zoonotic viral infection MPXV. The disease is similar to smallpox, but it is usually less dangerous. This study examines the evolution of the MPXV epidemic in Canada with an emphasis on the effects of control employing actual data.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFTrends Neurosci
January 2025
Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA. Electronic address:
The evolution of vertebrates from protochordate ancestors marked the beginning of the gradual transition to predatory lifestyles. Enabled by the acquisition of multipotent neural crest and cranial placode cell populations, vertebrates developed an elaborate peripheral nervous system, equipped with paired sense organs, which aided in adaptive behaviors and ultimately, successful colonization of diverse environmental niches. Underpinning the enduring success of vertebrates is the highly adaptable nature of the peripheral nervous system, which is enabled by the exceptional malleability of the neural crest and placode developmental programs.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFExp Eye Res
January 2025
Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, China; Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Ministry of Education, Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China. Electronic address:
Due to its unique physiological structure and functions, the eye has received considerable attention in the field of Adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapy. Inherited retinal degenerative diseases, which arise from pathogenic mutations in mRNA transcripts expressed in the eye's photoreceptor cells or retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), are the most common cause of vision loss. However, current retinal gene therapy mostly involves subretinal injection of therapeutic genes, which treats a limited area, entails retinal detachment, and requires sophisticated techniques.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEnter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!