Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Evolutionary analysis”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 1,711 records · Page 95Linked to original sources

Analysis of structural similarities between brain Thy-1 antigen and immunoglobulin domains. Evidence for an evolutionary relationship and a hypothesis for its functional significance.

The Thy-1 membrane glycoprotein from rat brain is shown to have structural and sequence homologies with immunoglobulin (Ig) domains on the basis of the following evidence. 1. The two disulphide bonds of Thy-1 are both consistent with the Ig-fold. 2. The molecule contains extensive beta-structure as shown by the c.d. spectrum. 3. Secondary structure prediction locates beta-strands along the sequence in a manner consistent with the Ig-fold. 4. On the basis of rules derived from known beta-sheet structures, a three-dimensional structure with the Ig-fold is predicted as favourable for Thy-1. 5. Sequences in the proposed beta-strands of Thy-1 and known beta-strands of Ig domains show significant sequence homology. This homology is statistically more significant than for the comparison of proposed beta-strand sequences of beta 2-microglobulin with Ig domains. An hypothesis is presented for the possible functional significance of an evolutionary relationship between Thy-1 and Ig. It is suggested that both Thy-1 and Ig evolved from primitive molecules, with an Ig fold, which mediated cell--cell interactions. The present-day role of Thy-1 may be similar to that of the primitive domain.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Biodiversity of uptake hydrogenase systems from legume endosymbiotic bacteria.

Uptake hydrogenases in legume endosymbiotic bacteria recycle hydrogen produced during the nitrogen fixation process in legume nodules. Despite the described beneficial effect on plant productivity, the hydrogen oxidation capability is not widespread in the Rhizobiaceae family. Characterization of hydrogenase gene clusters in strains belonging to Rhizobium, Bradyrhizobium and Azorhizobium reveals a similar overall genetic organization along with important differences in gene regulation. In addition, phylogenetic analysis of hup genes indicates distinct evolutionary origins for hydrogenase genes in Rhizobia.

Bacteria↗

Microbial disease in humans: A genomic perspective.

The approach of whole-genome shotgun sequencing coupled with the availability of computational algorithms to facilitate the assembly, gene prediction, and functional annotation of entire genomes has sparked a revolution in our understanding of the biology of free-living organisms. More than 40 bacterial genomes have been sequenced to date, of which several are important human pathogens. The capacity to sequence and assemble entire genomes of bacteria, pathogenic protozoans, and fungi in a rapid and cost-effective way has energized every aspect of microbial science. Comparative genome analysis allows us to dissect the evolutionary forces at work and provides insights into adaptations of microbes to their unique ecological niches. Factors that shape host-pathogen interactions and their outcomes include genetic polymorphisms in the microbial pathogen and host, both of which can impact on microbial virulence or host immune responses to infection. The availability of the genome sequence of entire organisms, together with the use of high-throughput sequence-based genomic technologies to define microbial and host physiological states, provides the unparalleled opportunity to better define clinical outcomes in the field of infectious diseases. There is one overarching lesson: completion of the genomic sequence of any species answers many questions, while at the same time it invites totally new questions.

Animals↗

Multivariate analysis of Drosophila courtship.

Courtship records of 15 pairs of Drosophila melanogaster were analyzed for temporal stationarity of courtship behaviors, behavioral diversity, behavioral intercorrelations, sequential properties, and information transmission for both sexes. Durations of one male behavior, "orient-back," and two female behaviors, "preen" and "stand still," were found to change from the first to the second half of courtship. Male diversity was greater than female diversity, and both were stationary over time. Correlation analyses failed to single out any particular male or female behaviors as being influential in controlling courtship duration. Male behavior sequences formed several multibehavior loops; female behavior consisted of only a few terminal two-tuple transitions. Transmission analysis carried out on the joint male/female transition matrix showed a higher transmission rate from males to females (12%) than from females to males (7%). Potential applications of this multivariate analysis to investigations of neurobiological and evolutionary aspects of Drosophila courtship behavior are proposed.

Journal Article↗

Genetic association, post-translational modification, and protein-protein interactions in Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a complex disorder with a strong genetic component. Inherited complex disease susceptibility in humans is most commonly associated with single nucleotide polymorphisms. The mechanisms by which this occurs are still poorly understood. Here we focus on analyzing the effect of a set of disease-causing missense variations of the monogenetic form of Type 2 diabetes mellitus and a set of disease-associated nonsynonymous variations in comparison with that of nonsynonymous variations without any experimental evidence for association with any disease. Analysis of different properties such as evolutionary conservation status, solvent accessibility, secondary structure, etc. suggests that disease-causing variations are associated with extreme changes in the value of the parameters relating to evolutionary conservation and/or protein stability. Disease-associated variations are rather moderately conserved and have a milder effect on protein function and stability. The majority of the genes harboring these variations are clustered in or near the insulin signaling network. Most of these variations are identified as potential sites for post-translational modifications; certain predictions have already reported experimental evidence. Overall our results indicate that Type 2 diabetes mellitus may result from a large number of single nucleotide polymorphisms that impair modular domain function and post-translational modifications involved in signaling. Our emphasis is more on conserved corresponding residues than the variation alone. We believe that the approach of considering a stretch of peptide sequence involving a polymorphism would be a better method of defining the role of the polymorphism in the manifestation of this disease. Because most of the variations associated with the disease are rare, we hypothesize that this disease is a "mosaic model" of interaction between a large number of rare alleles and a small number of common alleles along with the environment, which is little contrary to the existing common disease common variant model.

Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2↗

Combining and comparing morphometric shape descriptors with a molecular phylogeny: the case of fruit type evolution in Bornean Lithocarpus (Fagaceae).

Fruit type in the genus Lithocarpus (Fagaceae) includes both classic oak acorns and novel modifications. Bornean taxa with modified fruits can be separated into two sections (Synaedrys and Lithocarpus) based on subtle shape differences. By following strict criteria for homology and representation, this variation in shape can be captured and the sections distinguished by using elliptic Fourier or eigenshape analysis. Phenograms of fruit shape, constructed by using restricted maximum likelihood techniques and these morphometric descriptors, were incorporated into combined and comparative analyses with molecular sequence data from the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the nuclear rDNA, using branch-weighted matrix representation. The combined analysis strongly suggested independent derivation of the novel fruit type in the two sections from different acornlike ancestors, while the comparative analysis indicated frequent decoupling between the molecular and morphological changes as inferred at well-supported nodes. The acorn fruit type has undergone little modification between ingroup and outgroup, despite large molecular distance. Greater morphological than molecular change was inferred at critical transitions between acorn and novel fruit types, particularly for section Lithocarpus. The combination of these two different types of data improved our understanding of the macroevolution of fruit type in this difficult group, and the comparative analysis highlighted the significant incongruities in evolutionary pattern between the two datasets.

Borneo↗

A "holistic" kinesin phylogeny reveals new kinesin families and predicts protein functions.

Kinesin superfamily proteins are ubiquitous to all eukaryotes and essential for several key cellular processes. With the establishment of genome sequence data for a substantial number of eukaryotes, it is now possible for the first time to analyze the complete kinesin repertoires of a diversity of organisms from most eukaryotic kingdoms. Such a "holistic" approach using 486 kinesin-like sequences from 19 eukaryotes and analyzed by Bayesian techniques, identifies three new kinesin families, two new phylum-specific groups, and unites two previously identified families. The paralogue distribution suggests that the eukaryotic cenancestor possessed nearly all kinesin families. However, multiple losses in individual lineages mean that no family is ubiquitous to all organisms and that the present day distribution reflects common biology more than it does common ancestry. In particular, the distribution of four families--Kinesin-2, -9, and the proposed new families Kinesin-16 and -17--correlates with the possession of cilia/flagella, and this can be used to predict a flagellar function for two new kinesin families. Finally, we present a set of hidden Markov models that can reliably place most new kinesin sequences into families, even when from an organism at a great evolutionary distance from those in the analysis.

Animals↗

Allozyme variation of populations of Castanopsis carlesii (Fagaceae) revealing the diversity centres and areas of the greatest divergence in Taiwan.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The genetic variation and divergence estimated by allozyme analysis were used to reveal the evolutionary history of Castanopsis carlesii in Taiwan. Two major questions were discussed concerning evolutionary issues: where are the diversity centres, and where are the most genetically divergent sites in Taiwan? METHODS: Twenty-two populations of C. carlesii were sampled throughout Taiwan. Starch gel electrophoresis was used to assay allozyme variation. Genetic parameters and mean FST values of each population were analysed using the BIOSYS-2 program. Mean F(ST) values of each population against the remaining populations, considered as genetic divergence, were estimated using the FSTAT program. KEY RESULTS: Average values of genetic parameters describing the within-population variation, the average number of alleles per locus (A=2.5), the effective number of alleles per locus (Ae=1.38), the allelic richness (Ar=2.38), the percentage of polymorphic loci (P=69%), and the expected heterozygosity (He=0.270) were estimated. High levels of genetic diversity were found for C. carlesii compared with other local plant species. Genetic differentiation between populations was generally low. CONCLUSIONS: From the data of expected heterozygosity, one major diversity centre was situated in central Taiwan corroborating previous reports for other plant species. According to the mean FST value of each population, the most divergent populations were situated in two places. One includes populations located in north central Taiwan between 24.80 degrees N and 24.20 degrees N. The other is located in south-eastern Taiwan between 22.40 degrees N and 23.10 degrees N. These two regions are approximately convergent with the most divergent locations determined for several other plant species using chloroplast DNA markers published previously. An important finding obtained from this study is that unordered markers like allozymes can be used to infer past population histories as well as chloroplast DNA markers do.

DNA, Chloroplast↗

Genome size evolution in relation to leaf strategy and metabolic rates revisited.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: It has been proposed that having too much DNA may carry physiological consequences for plants. The strong correlation between DNA content, cell size and cell division rate could lead to predictable morphological variation in plants, including a negative relationship with leaf mass per unit area (LMA). In addition, the possible increased demand for resources in species with high DNA content may have downstream effects on maximal metabolic efficiency, including decreased metabolic rates. METHODS: Tests were made for genome size-dependent variation in LMA and metabolic rates (mass-based photosynthetic rate and dark respiration rate) using our own measurements and data from a plant functional trait database (Glopnet). These associations were tested using two metrics of genome size: bulk DNA amount (2C DNA) and monoploid genome size (1Cx DNA). The data were analysed using an evolutionary framework that included a regression analysis and independent contrasts using a phylogenetic tree with estimates of molecular diversification times. A contribution index for the LMA data set was also calculated to determine which divergences have the greatest influence on the relationship between genome size and LMA. KEY RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: A significant negative association was found between bulk DNA amount and LMA in angiosperms. This was primarily a result of influential divergences that may represent early shifts in growth form. However, divergences in bulk DNA amount were positively associated with divergences in LMA, suggesting that the relationship may be indirect and mediated through other traits directly related to genome size. There was a significant negative association between genome size and metabolic rates that was driven by a basal divergence between angiosperms and gymnosperms; no significant independent contrast results were found. Therefore, it is concluded that genome size-dependent constraints acting on metabolic efficiency may not exist within seed plants.

Evolution, Molecular↗

Understanding Genomic Landscapes of Differentiation in Round-Tailed Horned Lizards (Phrynosoma modestum).

Population divergence is promoted by divergent selection and inhibited by gene flow, but the mechanisms of and relationship between these two processes remain poorly understood. Developing a well-informed hypothesis of the selective pressures underlying divergence in a natural population requires a thorough understanding of both species structure and demographic history. In this study, we assess whole-genome sequences of round-tailed horned lizards (Phrynosoma modestum) from throughout the species range and combine phylogenetic analyses with genomic landscape scans to understand how current genetic diversity has been influenced by demographic histories and evolutionary pressures. Maximum likelihood (ML) phylogenetic analysis supports two lineages within the species, corresponding to a North/South population divide that developed around 7 million years ago (Ma) and displays little migration. However, intermediate genealogical divergence index values between the two lineages ultimately leave us unable to recommend a full taxonomic distinction. Genome-wide scans of population genetic statistics identified islands of divergence exhibiting differentiation patterns linked to models of reproductive isolation and within-population selection. Significantly negative values of Tajima's D and positive selection statistics in these islands offer support for selection acting on P. modestum, but patterns may also stem from recent population expansions. We posit that selection within populations has played a large role in shaping genomic divergence across the species' range. Taken together, our results provide perspective into how variable selective pressures shape the genomics of two divergent populations currently maintaining species integrity, despite significant signatures of geographic structure and divergence.

Animals↗

Disequilibrium pattern analysis. II. Application to Danish HLA A and B locus data.

Disequilibrium pattern analysis, a general method for analyzing evolutionary events acting on pairs of tightly linked polymorphic loci, is applied to a large sample of Danish individuals typed for A and B loci of the HLA (human leukocyte antigen) system. Cases of selection on particular haplotypes are revealed from patterns of linkage disequilibrium among the HLA haplotypes. These patterns cannot be explained by either population admixture or random genetic drift. Six haplotypes out of the total array of 273 haplotypes have been identified which show in varying extents the patterns indicating selection.

Alleles↗

Genetic mapping in Xenopus laevis: eight linkage groups established.

Inheritance of alleles at 29 electrophoretically detected protein loci and one pigment locus (albinism) was analyzed in Xenopus laevis by backcrossing multiply heterozygous individuals generated by intersubspecies hybridization. Pairwise linkage tests revealed eight classical linkage groups. These groups have been provisionally numbered from 1 to 8 in an arbitrarily chosen order. Linkage group 1 includes ALB-2 (albumin), ADH-1 (alcohol dehydrogenase), NP (nucleoside phosphorylase), and ap (periodic albinism). Linkage group 2 contains ALB-1 and ADH-2, and probably is homeologous to group 1. Linkage group 3 comprises PEP-B (peptidase B), MPI-1 (mannosephosphate isomerase), SORD (sorbitol dehydrogenase), and mIDH-2 (mitochondrial isocitrate dehydrogenase). Linkage group 4 contains GPI-1 (glucosephosphate isomerase) and EST-4 (esterase 4). Linkage group 5 contains GPI-2 and PEP-D (peptidase D). Linkage group 6 comprises ACP-3 (acid phosphatase), sME (cytosolic malic enzyme), and GLO-2 (glyoxalase). Linkage group 7 consists of sSOD-1 (cytosolic superoxide dismutase), GPD-2 (glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase), mME (mitochondrial malic enzyme), and the sex determining locus. Linkage group 8 includes FH (fumarate hydratase) and TRF (transferrin). Recombination frequencies between linked loci showed differences related to the genomic constitution (parental subspecies) and to the sex of the heterozygous parent. Independent assortment was observed between the duplicate ALB loci. This is true for the duplicate ADH, GLO, and MPI loci as well, supporting the view that these genes have been duplicated as part of a genome duplication that occurred in the evolutionary history of X. laevis. Comparative analysis of genetic maps reveals a possible conservation of several linkages from the Xenopus genome to the human genome.

Albinism↗

Molecular phylogeny of the plant pathogenic genus Botrytis and the evolution of host specificity.

The cosmopolitan genus Botrytis contains 22 recognized species and one hybrid. The current classification is largely based on morphological characters and, to a minor extent, on physiology and host range. In this study, a classification of the genus was constructed based on DNA sequence data of three nuclear protein-coding genes (RPB2, G3PDH, and HSP60) and compared with the traditional classification. Sexual reproduction and the host range, important fitness traits, were traced in the tree and used for the identification of major evolutionary events during speciation. The phylogenetic analysis corroborated the classical species delineation. In addition, the hybrid status of B. allii (B. byssoidea x B. aclada) was confirmed. Both individual gene trees and combined trees show that the genus Botrytis can be divided into two clades, radiating after the separation of Botrytis from other Sclerotiniaceae genera. Clade 1 contains four species that all colonize exclusively eudicot hosts, whereas clade 2 contains 18 species that are pathogenic on either eudicot (3) or monocot (15) hosts. A comparison of Botrytis and angiosperm phylogenies shows that cospeciation of pathogens and their hosts have not occurred during their respective evolution. Rather, we propose that host shifts have occurred during Botrytis speciation, possibly by the acquisition of novel pathogenicity factors. Loss of sexual reproduction has occurred at least three times and is supposed to be a consequence of negative selection.

Base Sequence↗

Touring protein fold space with Dali/FSSP.

The FSSP database and its new supplement, the Dali Domain Dictionary, present a continuously updated classification of all known 3D protein structures. The classification is derived using an automatic structure alignment program (Dali) for the all-against-all comparison of structures in the Protein Data Bank. From the resulting enumeration of structural neighbours (which form a surprisingly continuous distribution in fold space) we derive a discrete fold classification in three steps: (i) sequence-related families are covered by a representative set of protein chains; (ii) protein chains are decomposed into structural domains based on the recurrence of structural motifs; (iii) folds are defined as tight clusters of domains in fold space. The fold classification, domain definitions and test sets for sequence-structure alignment (threading) are accessible on the web at www.embl-ebi.ac.uk/dali . The web interface provides a rich network of links between neighbours in fold space, between domains and proteins, and between structures and sequences leading, for example, to a database of explicit multiple alignments of protein families in the twilight zone of sequence similarity. The Dali/FSSP organization of protein structures provides a map of the currently known regions of the protein universe that is useful for the analysis of folding principles, for the evolutionary unification of protein families and for maximizing the information return from experimental structure determination.

Computer Communication Networks↗

Protein folds and families: sequence and structure alignments.

Dali and HSSP are derived databases organizing protein space in the structurally known regions. We use an automatic structure alignment program (Dali) for the classification of all known 3D structures based on all-against-all comparison of 3D structures in the Protein Data Bank. The HSSP database associates 1D sequences with known 3D structures using a position-weighted dynamic programming method for sequence profile alignment (MaxHom). As a result, the HSSP database not only provides aligned sequence families, but also implies secondary and tertiary structures covering 36% of all sequences in Swiss-Prot. The structure classification by Dali and the sequence families in HSSP can be browsed jointly from a web interface providing a rich network of links between neighbours in fold space, between domains and proteins, and between structures and sequences. In particular, this results in a database of explicit multiple alignments of protein families in the twilight zone of sequence similarity. The organization of protein structures and families provides a map of the currently known regions of the protein universe that is useful for the analysis of folding principles, for the evolutionary unification of protein families and for maximizing the information return from experimental structure determination. The databases are available from http://www.embl-ebi.ac.uk/dali/

Databases, Factual↗

Molecular systematics of dormice (Rodentia: Gliridae) and the radiation of Graphiurus in Africa.

The phylogenetic relationships among the Gliridae (order Rodentia) were assessed using 3430 nucleotides derived from three nuclear fragments (beta-spectrin non-erythrocytic 1, thyrotropin and lecithin cholesterol acyl transferase) and one mitochondrial gene (12S rRNA). We included 14 glirid species, representative of seven genera of the three recognized subfamilies (Graphiurinae, Glirinae and Leithiinae) in our analysis. The molecular data identified three evolutionary lineages that broadly correspond to the three extant subfamilies. However, the data suggest that the genus Muscardinus, previously regarded as falling within the Glirinae, should be included in the Leithiinae. Molecular dating using local molecular clocks and partitioned datasets allowed an estimate of the timing of cladogenesis within the glirids. Graphiurus probably diverged early in the group's evolution (40-50 Myr ago) and the three subfamilies diverged contemporaneously, probably in Europe. The radiation within Graphiurus is more recent, with the colonization of Africa by this lineage estimated at ca. 8-10 Myr ago.

Africa↗

Sequence variation and evolution of nuclear DNA in man and the primates.

Recent advances in nucleic acid technology have facilitated the detection and detailed structural analysis of a wide variety of genes in higher organisms, including those in man. This in turn has opened the way to an examination of the evolution of structural genes and their surrounding and intervening sequences. In a study of the evolution of haemoglobin genes and neighbouring sequences in man and the primates, we have investigated gene arrangement and DNA sequence divergence both within and between species ranging from Old World monkeys to man. This analysis is beginning to reveal the evolutionary constraints that have acted on this region of the genome during primate evolution. Furthermore, DNA sequence variation, both within and between species, provides, in principle, a novel and powerful method for determining interspecific phylogenetic distances and also for analysing the structure of present-day human populations. Application of this new branch of molecular biology to other areas of the human genome should prove important in unravelling the history of genetic changes that have occurred during the evolution of man.

Animals↗

Characterization of the rnpB gene and RNase P RNA in the order Chlamydiales.

The sequence of the RNase P RNA gene (rnpB) was determined for 60 strains representing all nine species in the family Chlamydiaceae and for the related Chlamydiales species, Parachlamydia acanthamoebae and Simkania negevensis. These sequences were used to infer evolutionary relationships among the Chlamydiaceae. The analysis separated Chlamydophila and Chlamydia into two lineages, with Chlamydophila forming three distinct clusters: the Chlamydophila pneumoniae strains; the Chlamydophila pecorum strains; and a third cluster comprising the species Chlamydophila psittaci, Chlamydophila abortus, Chlamydophila caviae and Chlamydophila felis. The Chlamydia line of descent contained two clusters, with the Chlamydia suis strains distinctly separated from strains of Chlamydia trachomatis and Chlamydia muridarum. This analysis indicated that the rnpB sequence and structure are distinctive markers for species in the Chlamydiaceae. It was also demonstrated that the RNase P RNA derived from Chlamydia trachomatis is able to cleave a tRNA precursor in the absence of protein. These findings are discussed in relation to the structure of Chlamydia RNase P RNA.

Animals↗