Liedewij Laan

Abstract Functional defects resulting from deleterious mutations can often be restored during evolution by compensatory mutations elsewhere in the genome. Importantly, this process can generate the genetic diversity seen in networks regulating the same biological function in different species. How the options for compensatory evolution depend on the molecular interactions underlying these functions is currently unclear.

Abstract Cell polarity is a crucial biological process essential for cell division, directed growth, and motility. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, polarity establishment centers around the small Rho-type GTPase Cdc42, which cycles between GTPbound and GDP-bound states, regulated by GEFs like Cdc24 and GAPs such as Rga2.

Abstract Functional defects resulting from deleterious mutations can often be restored during evolution by compensatory mutations elsewhere in the genome. Importantly, this process can generate the molecular diversity seen in networks regulating the same biological function. How the capacity for compensatory evolution is embedded in the structure of biological networks is still unresolved.