Novel non-transposable-element regulation patterns of KZFP family reveal new drivers of its rapid evolution

Abstract

14One striking feature of the large KRAB-containing zinc finger protein (KZFP) family 15 is its rapid expansion and divergence since its formation about 400 million years ago. 16 However, the evolutionary characteristics of KRAB domains, C2H2 zinc fingers and 17 the full protein of KZFPs have not been fully analyzed. As for the drivers of the rapid 18 evolution, it's partly due to their coevolution with transposable elements (TEs). But 19 their diverse functions besides inhibiting TEs suggest other reasons exist. Here we 20 address these two issues by the systematic analysis of the divergence time and 21 diversification pattern of KZFPs at three aspects and the functional analysis of the 22