Divergence of nucleosome positioning between two closely related yeast species: genetic basis and functional consequences.

ABSTRACT: Gene regulation differs greatly between related species, constituting a major source of phenotypic diversity. Recent studies characterized extensive differences in the gene expression programs of closely related species. In contrast, virtually nothing is known about the evolution of chromatin structure and how it influences the divergence of gene expression. Here, we compare the genome-wide nucleosome positioning of two closely related yeast species and, by profiling their inter-specific hybrid, trace the genetic basis of the observed differences into mutations affecting the local DNA sequences (cis effects) or the upstream regulators (trans effects). The majority (approximately 70%) of inter-species differences is due to cis effects, leaving a significant contribution (30%) for trans fact

SUBMITTER: Tirosh I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2890324 | biostudies-literature | 2010 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature