Gene essentiality and variability: What is the link? A within‐ and between‐species perspective. (23rd September 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dubois‐Mignon, Tania; Monget, Philippe
• Is Part Of: BioEssays. Volume 44:Number 11(2022)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2022-09-23
• Subjects: gene essentiality -- evolution -- human -- human disease -- gene variability; Molecular biology -- Periodicals; Cytology -- Periodicals; Developmental biology -- Periodicals; 572.8
• DOI: 10.1002/bies.202200132
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0265-9247

Abstract

Abstract: A gene is considered essential when its loss of function results in a deleterious phenotype, hugely reducing the organism's viability or fitness. However, the link between the essentiality of a gene and its degree of polymorphism is unclear. In this review, we show that there is a place for a certain degree of variability, even for essential genes. We first study the role of infectious diseases in the prevalence of genetic disorders among humans: balancing selection has selected harmful variants due to the selective pressure of pathogens because the heterozygous carrier can resist them. Then we show that the environment can induce adaptation of species by rapidly evolving genes. We also study the role of positive selection on speciation, particularly upon genes of the immune, reproductive and nervous systems. Finally, we highlight the role of regulatory sequences in changes in morphology between species and adaptation to the environment within species. Abstract : The fact that a gene is essential is not systematically associated with sequence conservation. Some degree of polymorphism is allowed, especially when heterozygous individuals are protected from parasitic or infectious diseases, or when a change in protein sequence allows the population to better adapt to a change in environment.