Inferring gene family histories in yeast identifies lineage specific expansions.

ABSTRACT: The complement of genes found in the genome is a balance between gene gain and gene loss. Knowledge of the specific genes that are gained and lost over evolutionary time allows an understanding of the evolution of biological functions. Here we use new evolutionary models to infer gene family histories across complete yeast genomes; these models allow us to estimate the relative genome-wide rates of gene birth, death, innovation and extinction (loss of an entire family) for the first time. We show that the rates of gene family evolution vary both between gene families and between species. We are also able to identify those families that have experienced rapid lineage specific expansion/contraction and show that these families are enriched for specific functions. Moreover, we find that famil

SUBMITTER: Ames RM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4055711 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature