Is anyone looking at the evolution of genome organization, specifically
clustering of genes with related functions. This has been reported
frequently among fungi, but these clusters are not always universal,
for example the proline genes of Aspergillus nidulans are clustered but
those of Saccharomyces cerevisiae are not. Is gene clustering of
physiologically related genes common amongst other organisms than
fungi? Any examples with references, or at least investigators names
that I can readily search would be appreciated. Any ideas on the
evolutionary basis?
Gene clusters that I know about:
proline utilization in Aspergillus nidulans
sporulation specific genes in Aspergillus nidulans
quinic acid utilization in Neurospora crassa
galactose utilization in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Kluveromyces
lactis
some, but not all histone genes of Saccharomyces cerevisiae
penicillin biosynthesis in Penicillium chrysogenum
sterigmatocystin biosynthesis in Aspergillus nidulans
aflatoxin biosynthesis in Aspergillus parasiticus ?
David H. Griffin
Department of Environmental & Forest Biology
College of Environmental Science and Forestry
350 Illick Hall
One Forestry Drive
Syracuse NY 13210-2788
e-mail: griffin at mailbox.syr.edu
