Evidence for widespread adaptive evolution of gene expression in budding yeast. 2010

Hunter B Fraser, and Alan M Moses, and Eric E Schadt
Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA. hbfraser@stanford.edu

Changes in gene expression have been proposed to underlie many, or even most, adaptive differences between species. Despite the increasing acceptance of this view, only a handful of cases of adaptive gene expression evolution have been demonstrated. To address this discrepancy, we introduce a simple test for lineage-specific selection on gene expression. Applying the test to genome-wide gene expression data from the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we find that hundreds of gene expression levels have been subject to lineage-specific selection. Comparing these findings with independent population genetic evidence of selective sweeps suggests that this lineage-specific selection has resulted in recent sweeps at over a hundred genes, most of which led to increased transcript levels. Examination of the implicated genes revealed a specific biochemical pathway--ergosterol biosynthesis--where the expression of multiple genes has been subject to selection for reduced levels. In sum, these results suggest that adaptive evolution of gene expression is common in yeast, that regulatory adaptation can occur at the level of entire pathways, and that similar genome-wide scans may be possible in other species, including humans.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D008957 Models, Genetic Theoretical representations that simulate the behavior or activity of genetic processes or phenomena. They include the use of mathematical equations, computers, and other electronic equipment. Genetic Models,Genetic Model,Model, Genetic
D004875 Ergosterol A steroid occurring in FUNGI. Irradiation with ULTRAVIOLET RAYS results in formation of ERGOCALCIFEROL (vitamin D2). Lumisterol,Pro-Vitamin D2,Provitamin D 2,D2, Pro-Vitamin,Pro Vitamin D2
D005828 Genetics, Population The discipline studying genetic composition of populations and effects of factors such as GENETIC SELECTION, population size, MUTATION, migration, and GENETIC DRIFT on the frequencies of various GENOTYPES and PHENOTYPES using a variety of GENETIC TECHNIQUES. Population Genetics
D000220 Adaptation, Biological Changes in biological features that help an organism cope with its ENVIRONMENT. These changes include physiological (ADAPTATION, PHYSIOLOGICAL), phenotypic and genetic changes. Adaptation, Biologic,Biological Adaptation,Biologic Adaptation
D012441 Saccharomyces cerevisiae A species of the genus SACCHAROMYCES, family Saccharomycetaceae, order Saccharomycetales, known as "baker's" or "brewer's" yeast. The dried form is used as a dietary supplement. Baker's Yeast,Brewer's Yeast,Candida robusta,S. cerevisiae,Saccharomyces capensis,Saccharomyces italicus,Saccharomyces oviformis,Saccharomyces uvarum var. melibiosus,Yeast, Baker's,Yeast, Brewer's,Baker Yeast,S cerevisiae,Baker's Yeasts,Yeast, Baker
D012641 Selection, Genetic Differential and non-random reproduction of different genotypes, operating to alter the gene frequencies within a population. Natural Selection,Genetic Selection,Selection, Natural
D015966 Gene Expression Regulation, Fungal Any of the processes by which nuclear, cytoplasmic, or intercellular factors influence the differential control of gene action in fungi. Fungal Gene Expression Regulation,Regulation of Gene Expression, Fungal,Regulation, Gene Expression, Fungal
D019143 Evolution, Molecular The process of cumulative change at the level of DNA; RNA; and PROTEINS, over successive generations. Molecular Evolution,Genetic Evolution,Evolution, Genetic
D040641 Quantitative Trait Loci Genetic loci associated with a quantitative trait. Quantitative Trait Loci Genes,Loci, Quantitative Trait,Locus, Quantitative Trait,Quantitative Trait Locus,Trait Loci, Quantitative,Trait Locus, Quantitative

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