Duplication of The Uricase Gene as a Possible Mechanism For Loss of Deoxyribonuclease II Beta

Abstract

The Deoxyribonuclease II (DNase 2) family of genes have two variants, alpha and beta, in most vertebrates. DNase 2 alpha is a housekeeping gene that functions to clear the DNA of apoptotic cells, whereas DNase 2 beta clears DNA from the lens cells of the eye. Interestingly, snakes and platypi are missing the DNase 2 beta gene, while birds and some lizards are missing DNase 2 alpha. In mice and humans the uricase (UOX) gene, another gene involved in nucleotide breakdown, is located upstream of DNase II beta. When examining this region in other species, there was variation in where the UOX gene transcription start site was located. Interestingly, complete UOX genes were found both directly upstream and downstream of the Deoxyribonuclease II beta in turtles. This gene duplication led us to consider a possible mechanism for the loss of DNase2 beta in other species.

Richard Taylor & Moses Gomez | Biology and Chemistry | Faculty Sponsor Ronald Krieser