Molecular micro- and macroevolution in the primate alpha-globin gene family

American Journal of Human Biology : the Official Journal of the Human Biology Council
Jonathan Marks

Abstract

Because hemoglobin is among the most abundant and accessible proteins in the human body, the molecular basis for its production is arguably the best-known genetic system in any higher organism. The hemoglobin molecule is tetrameric and consists all developmental stage of two copies of each of two components, alpha-like (141 amino acids) and beta-like (146 amino acids). The beta-like globins are located in a tight cluster on chromosome 11 and the alpha-like globins on chromosome 16. The alpha-globin cluster consists of several functional genes and nonfunctional pseudogenes, each the product of an ancient duplication of primordial genes. The cluster therefore affords us a window on the major features of molecular evolution. Within human populations hypervariable regions exist which may serve as useful genetic markers; and unequal crossing-over creates the most prevalent genotypes of alpha-thalassemia. Recently a new member of the alpha-globin cluster was discovered in the orangutan genome and then subsequently in other taxa, including Homo sapiens. It appears to encode a unique alpha-like globin, and its protein product has yet to be isolated.

References

Feb 1, 1988·Human Genetics·H W PengB N Chiang
Jan 1, 1986·Cold Spring Harbor Symposia on Quantitative Biology·J MarksC K Shen
Feb 1, 1989·Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America·J P ShawC K Shen
Jan 1, 1985·Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences·D R HiggsD J Weatherall
Jan 1, 1985·Journal of Molecular Evolution·C WillardC W Schmid
Apr 10, 1987·Nucleic Acids Research·W S Hu, C K Shen
Jan 1, 1986·Cold Spring Harbor Symposia on Quantitative Biology·I SawadaC Willard
Mar 1, 1986·Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America·J MarksC K Shen
Jan 1, 1986·Cold Spring Harbor Symposia on Quantitative Biology·A V Hill
Apr 16, 1987·Nature·G North
Dec 20, 1986·Journal of Molecular Biology·I Sawada, C W Schmid
Oct 1, 1987·Nature·N Fischel-GhodsianE C Beyer
Jun 19, 1986·Nature·N Proudfoot
Dec 1, 1985·Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America·B Wainwright, R Hope
Jan 1, 1985·Annual Review of Genetics·E F Vanin
Feb 25, 1986·Nucleic Acids Research·R C HardisonC W Schmid
Nov 29, 1974·Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences·P E Nute
Dec 27, 1968·Science·W P WinterH Neurath
Jan 10, 1969·Science·E Margoliash
Jun 4, 1982·Science·C W Schmid, W R Jelinek
Oct 1, 1983·Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America·J F HessC K Shen
Dec 20, 1983·Nucleic Acids Research·S A Liebhaber, K A Begley
Jan 1, 1980·Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America·M GoossensY W Kan
Apr 1, 1980·Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America·E A ZimmerA C Wilson
May 1, 1980·Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America·Y NishiokaP Leder
Oct 1, 1980·Cell·A EfstratiadisN J Proudfoot
Jun 1, 1980·Cell·F PerlerJ Dodgson
Oct 1, 1980·Cell·R A SpritzS M Weissman

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Citations

Jan 1, 1989·Journal of Inherited Metabolic Disease·C R Scriver
Apr 10, 2013·Human Mutation·Frédéric B PielSimon I Hay

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.