A Yeast Hybrid Provides Insight into the Evolution of Gene Expression Regulation

• DOI: 10.1126/science.1169766
• Publication Date: 2009-04-30T22:40:12Z
• Authors: Itay Tirosh; Sharon Reikhav; Avraham A. Levy; Naama Barkai
• Keywords: Functional divergence; Pair-rule gene

During evolution, novel phenotypes emerge through changes in gene expression, but the genetic basis is poorly understood. We compared allele-specific expression of two yeast species and their hybrid, which allowed us to distinguish regulatory sequences itself (cis) from upstream factors (trans). Expression divergence between was generally due cis. Divergence trans reflected a differential response environment explained tendency certain genes diverge rapidly. Hybrid-specific deviating parental range, occurred cis-trans interactions or, more often, modified regulation associated with environmental sensing. These results provide insights on cis during upon hybridization.