Clustering of Drosophila melanogaster immune genes in interplay with recombination rate.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Gene order in eukaryotic chromosomes is not random and has been linked to coordination of gene expression, chromatin structure and also recombination rate. The evolution of recombination rate is especially relevant for genes involved in immunity because host-parasite co-evolution could select for increased recombination rate (Red Queen hypothesis). To identify patterns left by the intimate interaction between hosts and parasites, I analysed the genomic parameters of the immune genes from 24 gene families/groups of Drosophila melanogaster.

Principal findings

Immune genes that directly interact with the pathogen (i.e. recognition and effector genes) clustered in regions of higher recombination rates. Out of these, clustered effector genes were transcribed fastest in

SUBMITTER: Wegner KM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2475659 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature