Duplicated paralogous genes subject to positive selection in the genome of Trypanosoma brucei.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Whole genome studies have highlighted duplicated genes as important substrates for adaptive evolution. We have investigated adaptive evolution in this class of genes in the human parasite Trypanosoma brucei, as indicated by the ratio of non-synonymous (amino-acid changing) to synonymous (amino acid retaining) nucleotide substitution rates.

Methodology/principal findings

We have identified duplicated genes that are most rapidly evolving in this important human parasite. This is the first attempt to investigate adaptive evolution in this species at the codon level. We identify 109 genes within 23 clusters of paralogous gene expansions to be subject to positive selection.

Conclusions/significance

Genes identified include surface antigens in both the mammalian

SUBMITTER: Emes RD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2386149 | biostudies-literature | 2008 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature