Adaptive evolution of SCML1 in primates, a gene involved in male reproduction.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Genes involved in male reproduction are often the targets of natural and/or sexual selection. SCML1 is a recently identified X-linked gene with preferential expression in testis. To test whether SCML1 is the target of selection in primates, we sequenced and compared the coding region of SCML1 in major primate lineages, and we observed the signature of positive selection in primates.

Results

We analyzed the molecular evolutionary pattern of SCML1 in diverse primate species, and we observed a strong signature of adaptive evolution which is caused by Darwinian positive selection. When compared with the paralogous genes (SCML2 and SCMH1) of the same family, SCML1 evolved rapidly in primates, which is consistent with the proposed adaptive evolution, suggesting function

SUBMITTER: Wu HH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2459175 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature