Categoría: Trends in Genetics
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The evolutionary role of mutational robustness: theoretical insights
Mutational robustness, the ensemble of mechanisms that allow organisms to maintain a stable phenotype despite genetic mutations, affects adaptive evolution in several ways. Many models have attempted to explain how mutational robustness might evolve an…
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In silico genome transplants and the cis-regulatory basis of biodiversity
Transcriptional cis-regulation has emerged as the predominant force underlying the evolution of phenotypic diversity, yet our understanding of it is still rudimentary. While empirical comparative genomic approaches have been quite informative, they als…
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Extended phenotypes: a new generation
The concept of extended phenotypes – the effects of genes outside of an individual organism – was formulated by the evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins over 40 years ago. Driven by modern molecular tools and interdisciplinary perspectives, the study…
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Breaking the script: transcriptional addiction as a driver of genome instability in cancer
Transcription is not only an essential cellular process but also a major source of endogenous DNA strand breaks. Many cancers exhibit transcriptional addiction and rely on dysregulated and excessive transcription to maintain the malignant state. We rev…
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The illusion of clarity in familiar genetics diagrams
Visual representations are indispensable in genetics education; yet, their apparent simplicity can mask deep conceptual challenges for learners. We summarize empirical evidence for this ‘illusion of clarity’ and describe resources that may help genetic…
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Returning research results isn’t rocket science
Researchers often assume genomic results are too complex for lay communities, but heredity concepts are widely understood. Effective return of results depends on cultural context, clear communication, and collaboration with communities. Tailored, respe…
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Science, society, and agricultural biotechnology in sub-Saharan Africa
Despite ongoing efforts, no African country is on track to achieve its agricultural transformation goals, as based on the 2014 Malabo Declaration’s objective of accelerated agricultural growth and transformation. How can we ensure that locally relevant…
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Homologous recombination counteracts mismatch repair to promote fertility and genetic diversity
The DNA mismatch repair (MMR) system is classically viewed as being anti-recombinogenic during meiosis because it mediates heteroduplex rejection to inhibit homeologous recombination, leading to postzygotic isolation between closely related species. In…