Abstract
Genes limited to particular clades, taxonomically restricted genes (TRGs), are common in all sequenced genomes. TRGs have recently become associated with the evolution of novelty, as numerous studies across the tree of life have now linked expression of TRGs with novel phenotypes. However, TRGs that underlie ancient lineage specific traits have been largely omitted from discussions of the general importance of TRGs. Here it is argued that when all TRGs are considered, it is apparent that TRGs are fundamental to biology and evolution and likely play many complementary roles to the better understood toolkit genes. Genes underlying photosynthesis and skeletons, for example, are examples of commonplace fundamental TRGs. Essentially, although basic cell biology has a highly conserved genetic basis across the tree of life, most major clades also have lineage specific traits central to their biology and these traits are often based on TRGs. In short, toolkit genes underlie what is conserved across organisms, while TRGs define in many cases what is unique. An appreciation of the importance of TRGs will improve our understanding of evolution by triggering the study of neglected topics in which TRGs are of paramount importance.
Highlights
Restricted, or lineage specific, genes are genes that are found only in a particular clade or species (Wilson et al, 2005; Begun et al, 2007; Khalturin et al, 2009)
A consensus from this work might be that a toolkit of conserved genes is central to biology, many cases of evolutionary novelty are associated with taxonomically restricted genes (TRGs)
We introduce the main thesis of the paper, which is that every organism shares a conserved toolkit of genes, each has an fundamental, and large set of lineage specific genes that underlie the many lineage specific traits that are central to their biology
Summary
Restricted, or lineage specific, genes are genes that are found only in a particular clade or species (Wilson et al, 2005; Begun et al, 2007; Khalturin et al, 2009). A consensus from this work might be that a toolkit of conserved genes is central to biology, many cases of evolutionary novelty are associated with TRGs. In the present review, it is argued that this consensus is too conservative and that TRGs are fundamental to biology in general.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.