Duplicate genes increase gene expression diversity within and between species

Nat Genet. 2004 Jun;36(6):577-9. doi: 10.1038/ng1355. Epub 2004 May 2.

Abstract

Using microarray gene expression data from several Drosophila species and strains, we show that duplicated genes, compared with single-copy genes, significantly increase gene expression diversity during development. We show further that duplicate genes tend to cause expression divergences between Drosophila species (or strains) to evolve faster than do single-copy genes. This conclusion is also supported by data from different yeast strains.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biological Evolution
  • Drosophila / genetics
  • Drosophila / growth & development
  • Drosophila melanogaster / genetics
  • Drosophila melanogaster / growth & development
  • Gene Duplication*
  • Gene Expression*
  • Genes, Insect
  • Genetic Variation
  • Metamorphosis, Biological
  • Multigene Family
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / genetics
  • Species Specificity