I'm writing a review article (for a student journal at the University of Pittsburgh) about how comparisons of the genomes of species, alone, is not necessarily a good indicator of how similar the organisms are (it is good for constructing phylogenies, though).
The idea is that portions of the genomes which are different can affect how the similar portions are used. So for instance, we know that chimpanzees and humans share approximately 98.8% of our DNA. Well the 1.2% we don't share may affect the portions we do share in substantial ways. For instance, they may cause alternative-splicing of the primary mRNA transcript from the similar portions.
This is also consistent with our new discoveries about genetics, which show that increased complexity does not necessarily mean an increased number of genes.
So basically I'm looking for mechanisms which may cause similar portions of genomes to perform different functions in different species.
So far, my list includes:
1. alternative splicing
2. transcriptional initiation
3. transciptional regulation patterns
I would also like to include the following:
1. DNA rearrangement
2. post-translational modifications
First off, I really don't know what DNA rearrangement is. I've only seen it referred to briefly. Just guessing, I think it is when parts of genes are switched and swapped to produce variation (like how various antibodies are produced). Is this correct?
Second, I would like to know if anyone knows of any post-translational modifications that may be species-specific. Even if it may not be species-specific, I would like to know if there are any research articles. I've only found one which is from 1981, which is way too old.
Also, any thoughts on the subject or other ideas are welcome.
Thanks
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