Version of Genome in equilibrium: Subgenome expression bias in allotetraploid common carp

Summary

The main aim of this thesis was to add to the fundamental understanding of animal genomesthat have undergone a whole genome duplication (polyploidy), by using common carp as an animal model. My research focused on the extent to which both subgenomes have been retained in common carp. I investigated to which degree subgenome A and B still share most functions or increasingly show sub-specialization.

I demonstrate the absence of an obvious subgenome dominance in common carp. Instead, subgenome A and B are maintaining their genes in duplicated state though balanced expression; most genes are co-expressed without a clear one-sided subgenome bias. This thesis demonstrates the importance for studies on polyploid animals to investigate all subgenomes and their duplicated genes to fully understand gene evolution and biological function