Arrays of ultraconserved non-coding regions span the loci of key developmental genes in vertebrate genomes.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Evolutionarily conserved sequences within or adjoining orthologous genes often serve as critical cis-regulatory regions. Recent studies have identified long, non-coding genomic regions that are perfectly conserved between human and mouse, termed ultra-conserved regions (UCRs). Here, we focus on UCRs that cluster around genes involved in early vertebrate development; genes conserved over 450 million years of vertebrate evolution.

Results

Based on a high resolution detection procedure, our UCR set enables novel insights into vertebrate genome organization and regulation of developmentally important genes. We find that the genomic positions of deeply conserved UCRs are strongly associated with the locations of genes encoding key regulators of development, with partic

SUBMITTER: Sandelin A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC544600 | biostudies-literature | 2004 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature