The role of domain shuffling in the evolution of signaling networks

J Exp Zool B Mol Dev Evol. 2014 Feb;322(2):65-72. doi: 10.1002/jez.b.22551. Epub 2013 Nov 19.

Abstract

In a seminal paper entitled "Evolution and Tinkering," François Jacob affirmed that: "Novelties come from previously unseen association of old material. To create is to recombine" [Jacob F. (1977) Science 196:1161-1166]. In the 35 years that have passed since Jacob's insight, we have amassed enough data to actually shed light on many of the molecular mechanisms that enable evolution to create novelty by simply recombining what existed already. In this review, we will succinctly discuss the role that the recombination of protein domains has in the evolution of signaling networks, drawing from examples provided by diverse disciplines, including bioinformatics, systems and synthetic biology, and laboratory evolution.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biological Evolution*
  • Computational Biology
  • Directed Molecular Evolution
  • Proteome / genetics
  • Proteome / physiology*
  • Signal Transduction / genetics
  • Signal Transduction / physiology*
  • Systems Biology

Substances

  • Proteome