Selection for functional uniformity of tuf duplicates in gamma-proteobacteria

Trends Genet. 2007 May;23(5):215-8. doi: 10.1016/j.tig.2007.03.002. Epub 2007 Mar 23.

Abstract

Having an extra copy of a gene is thought to provide some functional redundancy, which results in a higher rate of evolution in duplicated genes. In this article, we estimate the impact of gene duplication on the selection of tuf paralogs, and we find that in the absence of gene conversion, tuf paralogs have evolved significantly slower than when gene conversion has been a factor in their evolution. Thus, tuf gene copies evolve under a selective pressure that ensures their functional uniformity, and gene conversion reduces selection against amino acid substitutions that affect the function of the encoded protein, EF-Tu.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Evolution, Molecular
  • Gammaproteobacteria / genetics*
  • Gene Conversion
  • Gene Duplication*
  • Genes, Bacterial*
  • Peptide Elongation Factor Tu / genetics*
  • Phylogeny
  • Selection, Genetic*
  • Synteny

Substances

  • Peptide Elongation Factor Tu