Excess of amino acid substitutions relative to polymorphism between X-linked duplications in Drosophila melanogaster

Mol Biol Evol. 2005 Feb;22(2):273-84. doi: 10.1093/molbev/msi015. Epub 2004 Oct 13.

Abstract

We have obtained sequence polymorphism data from 13 genes belonging to 5 gene families in Drosophila melanogaster where the K(a)/K(s) between copies is greater than 1. Twelve of these 13 loci are X-linked. In general, there is evidence of purifying selection in all families, as inferred both from levels of silent and replacement variation and insertion/deletion variation, suggesting that the loci are likely functional. Shared polymorphisms indicative of gene conversion between paralogs are rare among the X-linked families, in contrast to available data from autosomal duplicates. McDonald-Kreitman tests between duplicates reveal an excess of amino-acid fixations between copies in the X-linked families, suggesting that the divergence between these loci was driven by positive selection. In contrast, available data from autosomal duplicates show a deficit of fixations, consistent with gene conversion being a strong homogenizing force.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Substitution / genetics*
  • Animals
  • Drosophila Proteins / genetics
  • Drosophila melanogaster / genetics*
  • Gene Duplication*
  • Genes, Duplicate
  • Genes, Insect
  • Polymorphism, Genetic*
  • Selection, Genetic
  • X Chromosome / genetics*

Substances

  • Drosophila Proteins