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The ability to generate personalized genomic information for large numbers of people is rapidly becoming a reality. Four experts provide their opinions on how useful this information is likely to be and how it should best be put to use.
Recently, several new speciation genes have been identified that have contributed to our understanding of the molecular details of the evolution of hybrid dysfunction. This Progress article describes examples of these speciation genes in a range of species and provides insights into the mechanisms that underlie speciation.
Meiosis is a necessary part of gamete formation and sexual reproduction. It has been examined extensively in yeast but, although key components are evolutionarily conserved, studies in mammals are revealing important differences, and such work will enable progress towards the treatment of human infertility.
Despite their importance, little is known about how gene duplications are fixed and maintained in genomes. This comprehensive Review of theoretical models of gene-duplication evolution and the data that can distinguish between them provides a foundation for answering these crucial questions.
mRNA repertoires can be diversified by many mechanisms, including alternative splicing and alternative polyadenylation. Technological advances are now allowing genome–wide insights into the extent of RNA processing, the actions of RNA–binding proteins and how regulation at the RNA level helps to control biological systems.
Protein kinases are one of the largest gene families in humans. Through a comprehensive survey of kinase mutations the authors highlight the structure–function relationships that control the activities of these proteins and their contribution to a varied set of human diseases.