Comparative genomic sequencing reveals a strikingly similar architecture of a conserved syntenic region on human chromosome 11p15.3 (including gene ST5) and mouse chromosome 7
Comparative genomics is a superior way to identify phylogenetically conserved features like genes or regions involved in gene regulation. The comparison of extended orthologous chromosomal regions should also reveal other characteristic traits essential for chromosome or gene function. In the present study we have sequenced and compared a region of conserved synteny from human chromosome 11p15.3 and mouse chromosome 7. In human, this region is known to contain several genes involved in the development of various disorders like Beckwith-Wiedemann overgrowth syndrome and other tumor diseases. Furthermore, in the neighboring chromosome region 11p15.5 extensive imprinting of genes has been repo…
Molecular Evolution of the Globin Gene Cluster E in Two Distantly Related Midges, Chironomus pallidivittatus and C. thummi thummi
We have studied the evolutionary dynamics of a cluster of insect globin genes by comparing the organization and sequence of the gene group in two distantly related species, Chironomus pallidivittatus and C. t. thummi. Although the general architecture of the globin gene cluster has been conserved, we have found an additional, previously undescribed gene (named Cpa F) in C. pallidivittatus which shows signs of accelerated sequence evolution at nonsynonymous codon positions. This new gene is clearly functional, as demonstrated by Northern analysis. Comparison of paralogous and orthologous genes reveals patterns of intraspecific sequence homogenization. The head-to-head-oriented globin 3 and 4…