An orphaned mammalian b-globin gene of ancient evolutionary origin
Date
2001
Authors
Wheeler, D.
Hope, R.
Cooper, S.
Dolman, G.
Webb, G.
Bottema, C.
Gooley, A.
Goodman, M.
Holland, R.
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Journal article
Citation
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 2001; 98(3):1101-1106
Statement of Responsibility
David Wheeler; Rory Hope; Steven J. B. Cooper; Gaynor Dolman; Graham C. Webb; Cynthia D. K. Bottema; Andrew A. Gooley; Morris Goodman and Robert A. B. Holland
Conference Name
Abstract
Mammals possess multiple, closely linked β-globin genes that differ in the timing of their expression during development. These genes have been thought to be derived from a single ancestral gene, by duplication events that occurred after the separation of the mammals and birds. We report the isolation and characterization of an atypical β-like globin gene (ω-globin) in marsupials that appears to be more closely related to avian β-globin genes than to other mammalian β-globin genes, including those previously identified in marsupials. Phylogenetic analyses indicate that ω-globin evolved from an ancient gene duplication event that occurred before the divergence of mammals and birds. Furthermore, we show that ω-globin is unlinked to the previously characterized β-globin gene cluster of marsupials, making this the first report of an orphaned β-like globin gene expressed in a vertebrate.
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© 2001 National Academy of Sciences