Selection, gene interaction, and flexible gene networks.

TitleSelection, gene interaction, and flexible gene networks.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2009
AuthorsGreenspan RJ
JournalCold Spring Harb Symp Quant Biol
Volume74
Pagination131-8
Date Published2009
ISSN1943-4456
KeywordsAnimals, Biological Evolution, Drosophila melanogaster, Epistasis, Genetic, Escherichia coli, Female, Gene Regulatory Networks, Genes, Insect, Genetic Association Studies, Male, Models, Genetic, Mutation, Selection, Genetic
Abstract

Recent results from a variety of different kinds of experiments, mainly using behavior as an assay, and ranging from laboratory selection experiments to gene interaction studies, show that a much wider range of genes can affect phenotype than those identified as "core genes" in classical mutant screens. Moreover, very pleiotropic genes can produce specific phenotypes when mild variants are combined. These studies also show that gene networks readily change configuration and the relationships between interacting genes in response to the introduction of additional genetic variants, suggesting that the networks range widely and have a high degree of flexibility and malleability. Such flexibility, in turn, offers a plausible mechanism for the molding of phenotypes through microevolution, as a prerequisite to making a suitable environment for the acceptance of newly arising large-effect mutations in the transition from microevolution to macroevolution.

DOI10.1101/sqb.2009.74.029
Alternate JournalCold Spring Harb. Symp. Quant. Biol.
PubMed ID19903749
Category: 
Greenspan Laboratory