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Review
. 2004 Jul;2(7):E206.
doi: 10.1371/journal.pbio.0020206. Epub 2004 Jul 13.

Gene duplication: the genomic trade in spare parts

Matthew Hurles  1
Affiliations
Review

Gene duplication: the genomic trade in spare parts

Matthew Hurles. PLoS Biol. 2004 Jul.

Abstract

The duplication of genes and their subsequent diversification has had a key role in evolution. A range of fates can befall a duplicated gene

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Mechanism of Gene Duplication
A two-exon gene is flanked by two Alu elements and a neighbouring replication termination site. Recombination between the two Alu elements leads to a tandem duplication event, as does a replication error instigated by the replication termination site. Retrotransposition of the mRNA of the gene leads to the random integration of an intron-less paralogue at a distinct genomic location.
Figure 2
Figure 2. Fates of Duplicate Genes
A new duplication in a gene (blue) with two tissue-specific promoters (arrows) arises in a population of single copy genes. Fixation within the population results in a minority of cases. After fixation, one gene is inactivated (degradation) or assumes a new function (neofunctionalization), or the expression pattern of the original gene is partitioned between the two duplicates as one promoter is silenced in each duplicate in a complementary manner (subfunctionalization).
Figure 3
Figure 3. Concerted Evolution
Different gene conversion events homogenize minimally diverged duplicate genes in each daughter species (A and B), with the result that while paralogues are highly similar, orthologues diverge over time.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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