Population genetics of duplicated alternatively spliced exons of the Dscam gene in Daphnia and Drosophila.

ABSTRACT: In insects and crustaceans, the Down syndrome cell adhesion molecule (Dscam) occurs in many different isoforms. These are produced by mutually exclusive alternative splicing of dozens of tandem duplicated exons coding for parts or whole immunoglobulin (Ig) domains of the Dscam protein. This diversity plays a role in the development of the nervous system and also in the immune system. Structural analysis of the protein suggested candidate epitopes where binding to pathogens could occur. These epitopes are coded by regions of the duplicated exons and are therefore diverse within individuals. Here we apply molecular population genetics and molecular evolution analyses using Daphnia magna and several Drosophila species to investigate the potential role of natural selection in the divergence be

SUBMITTER: Brites D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3236188 | biostudies-literature | 2011

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature