Reshaping of global gene expression networks and sex-biased gene expression by integration of a young gene

EMBO J. 2012 Jun 13;31(12):2798-809. doi: 10.1038/emboj.2012.108. Epub 2012 Apr 27.

Abstract

New genes originate frequently across diverse taxa. Given that genetic networks are typically comprised of robust, co-evolved interactions, the emergence of new genes raises an intriguing question: how do new genes interact with pre-existing genes? Here, we show that a recently originated gene rapidly evolved new gene networks and impacted sex-biased gene expression in Drosophila. This 4-6 million-year-old factor, named Zeus for its role in male fecundity, originated through retroposition of a highly conserved housekeeping gene, Caf40. Zeus acquired male reproductive organ expression patterns and phenotypes. Comparative expression profiling of mutants and closely related species revealed that Zeus has recruited a new set of downstream genes, and shaped the evolution of gene expression in germline. Comparative ChIP-chip revealed that the genomic binding profile of Zeus diverged rapidly from Caf40. These data demonstrate, for the first time, how a new gene quickly evolved novel networks governing essential biological processes at the genomic level.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Drosophila / genetics*
  • Drosophila / physiology
  • Evolution, Molecular
  • Fertility
  • Gene Expression Profiling
  • Gene Expression Regulation*
  • Gene Regulatory Networks*

Associated data

  • GEO/GSE36573
  • GEO/GSE36574
  • GEO/GSE36764
  • GEO/GSE36920