Gene HomologyWhat is Gene Homology?In general, homology between species is an evolutionary similarity that has persisted between species since the divergence from a common ancestor. In terms of genes, sequence homology is characterized by percent identity, which is the extent to which each nucleotide within the sequence is identical across the different species. By identifying homologous genes between species, we can begin to understand their evolutionary history and identify model organisms to experimentally work with the gene to understand its function and its role in disease.
Identifying FANCL Gene HomologsTo identify homologs of the human FANCL gene, a two-step technique was used to identify and confirm sequence homology. Initially, HomoloGene, a homolog identifier in the NCBI suite of databases, was used to identify the suspected homologs of the FANCL gene [1]. From the resulting output, gene sequences were ran through a reciprocal BLAST to verify the percent identity and confirm their classification as homologous genes [2].
Homologous mRNA References
Analysis of ResultsUsing the techniques detailed above, the ten species found provided homologous genes with sequence identities above 70% and represent a range of different classes of animals. Of particular interest are Danio rerio, and Mus musculus because of their extensive use as model organisms, which can be used in studying mutations to the FANCL gene and subsequent outcomes.
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References
[1] Entrez Help [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Center for Biotechnology Information (US); 2005-. Entrez Help. 2006 Jan 20 [Updated 2014 Apr 9].Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK3837/
[2] Madden T. The BLAST Sequence Analysis Tool. 2002 Oct 9 [Updated 2003 Aug 13]. In: McEntyre J, Ostell J, editors. The NCBI Handbook [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Center for Biotechnology Information (US); 2002-. Chapter 16. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK21097/
[2] Madden T. The BLAST Sequence Analysis Tool. 2002 Oct 9 [Updated 2003 Aug 13]. In: McEntyre J, Ostell J, editors. The NCBI Handbook [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Center for Biotechnology Information (US); 2002-. Chapter 16. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK21097/