Promoter-mediated diversification of transcriptional bursting dynamics following gene duplication.

ABSTRACT: During the evolution of gene families, functional diversification of proteins often follows gene duplication. However, many gene families expand while preserving protein sequence. Why do cells maintain multiple copies of the same gene? Here we have addressed this question for an actin family with 17 genes encoding an identical protein. The genes have divergent flanking regions and are scattered throughout the genome. Surprisingly, almost the entire family showed similar developmental expression profiles, with their expression also strongly coupled in single cells. Using live cell imaging, we show that differences in gene expression were apparent over shorter timescales, with family members displaying different transcriptional bursting dynamics. Strong "bursty" behaviors contrasted steady,

SUBMITTER: Tunnacliffe E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6099902 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature