Recurrent Duplication and Diversification of a Vital DNA Repair Gene Family Across Drosophila.

ABSTRACT: Maintaining genome integrity is vital for organismal survival and reproduction. Essential, broadly conserved DNA repair pathways actively preserve genome integrity. However, many DNA repair proteins evolve adaptively. Ecological forces like UV exposure are classically cited drivers of DNA repair evolution. Intrinsic forces like repetitive DNA, which also imperil genome integrity, have received less attention. We recently reported that a Drosophila melanogaster-specific DNA satellite array triggered species-specific, adaptive evolution of a DNA repair protein called Spartan/MH. The Spartan family of proteases cleave hazardous, covalent crosslinks that form between DNA and proteins ("DNA-protein crosslink repair"). Appreciating that DNA satellites are both ubiquitous and universally fast-evo

SUBMITTER: Brand CL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11210505 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature