Paralogue Interference Affects the Dynamics after Gene Duplication

Proteins tend to form homomeric complexes of identical subunits, which act as functional units. By definition, the subunits are encoded from a single genetic locus. When such a gene is duplicated, the gene products are suggested initially to cross-interact when coexpressed, thus resulting in the phenomenon of paralogue interference. In this opinion article, we explore how paralogue interference can shape the fate of a duplicated gene. One important outcome is a prolonged time window in which both copies remain under selection increasing the chance to accumulate mutations and to develop new properties. Thereby, paralogue interference can mediate the coevolution of duplicates and here we illustrate the potential of this phenomenon in light of recent new studies.

TrendsThe biologically active units of proteins are often homomeric complexes of two or more subunits, for example, transcription factors binding DNA as dimers.After duplication of genes that encode such self-interacting proteins, the gene products of both duplicates are able to cross-interact and form ‘paralogous heteromers’.A physical and functional link in the paralogous heteromer mediates a dominant-negative effect of detrimental mutations and thereby contributes to shape the fate of the duplicates, a phenomenon called ‘paralogue interference’.The consequences of paralogue interference on the fate of duplicated genes are diverse and further studies will reveal if this phenomenon plays a vital role in the period while a duplicated gene struggles to survive.