Accounting for cis-regulatory constraint prioritizes genes likely to affect species-specific traits
Abstract
Measuring allele-specific expression in interspecies hybrids is a powerful way to detect cis-regulatory changes underlying adaptation. However, it remains difficult to identify genes most likely to explain species-specific traits. Here, we outline a simple strategy that leverages population-scale allele-specific RNA-seq data to identify genes that show constrained cis-regulation within species yet show divergence between species. Applying this strategy to data from human-chimpanzee hybrid cortical organoids, we identify signatures of lineage-specific selection on genes related to saccharide metabolism, neurodegeneration, and primary cilia. We also highlight cis-regulatory divergence in CUX1 and EDNRB that may shape the trajectory of human brain development.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Jan 19, 2023
- Source ID
- 10.1186/s13059-023-02846-8
Entities
People
- Alexander L. Starr
- David Gokhman
- Hunter Fraser
Organizations
- Foundation for the National Institutes of Health
- United States Department of Defense