张健之实验室基因组进化研究新发现

生物谷

张健之副教授实验室的三个主要研究方向：

(1) Origin of new genes with novel functions.
We are using the vertebrate RNase A gene superfamily as a model system to study how and why functional divergence occurred after gene duplication. We test various evolutionary models by statistical analysis of DNA sequences, site-direct mutagenesis, and functional assay of recombinant proteins.

(2) Genetic basis of primate diversity and human origins.
We use bioinformatic as well as experimental approaches to identify human-specific genetic changes that are of fundamental importance to the origin of our species. We are also studying the evolution of sensory genes (pheromone and taste receptors) in primates and other mammals.

(3) Genomic features of molecular evolution.
We use available sequence and functional genomic data to test hypotheses on duplicate gene evolution, natural selection, gene expression, gene network evolution, etc.

I also encourage students and postdoctoral fellows to develop their own projects in the general area of molecular and genomic evolution.

2007年以来该实验室所发表的论文：

Bakewell, M. A., P. Shi, and J. Zhang. 2007. More genes underwent positive selection in chimpanzee evolution than in human evolution. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA, in press.

Cho, S., and J. Zhang. 2007. Zebrafish ribonucleases are bactericidal: Implications for the origin of the vertebrate RNase A superfamily. Mol Biol Evol, in press.

Shi, P., and J. Zhang. 2007. Comparative genomic analysis identifies an evolutionary shift of vomeronasal receptor gene repertoires in the vertebrate transition from water to land. Genome Res 17: 166-174.

Zhang, J. 2007. Disulfide-bond reshuffling in the evolution of an ape
placental ribonuclease. Mol Biol Evol 24: 505-512.

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