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A module is a linked group of phenotypic traits that depend on each other but are relatively independent of other modules. The insight that developmental mechanisms are modular is important for their evolution, making modularity a key concept in evo–devo and beyond.
Transposable elements are diverse and abundantly present in eukaryotic genomes. To help with the challenge of their identification and annotation, these authors propose the first unified hierarchical classification system for transposable elements. The system and nomenclature are kept up to date in a related database — WikiPoson.
Functions of histone lysine demethylases in a range of developmental and physiological processes are rapidly being uncovered, as are the roles of these enzymes in disease. Histone demethylases also provide a promising new route towards the therapeutic targeting of epigenetic regulators.
Eukaryotes have evolved small RNA-guided regulatory networks to control RNA transcripts, chromatin, repeated genomic sequences and invasive agents, such as viruses. Spatiotemporal regulation of the transcriptome through these pathways has shaped the evolution of eukaryotic genomes and contributed to the complexity of multicellular organisms.
Identifying regions of the human genome that have been subject to selection is key to understanding our evolution, and provides insights into the genetic basis of disease. However, important caveats require consideration when interpreting the results of attempts to identify selected regions.