Duplication and divergent evolution of the CHS and CHS-like genes in the chalcone synthase (CHS) superfamily
Duplication and divergent evolution of the CHS and CHS-like genes in the chalcone synthase （CHS） superfamily

The enzymes of the CHS-superfamily are responsible for biosynthesis of a wide range of natural products in plants. They are important for flower pigmentation, protection against UV light and defense against phytopathogens. Many plants were found to contain multiple copies of CHS genes. This review summarizes the recent progress in the studies of the CHS-superfamily, focusing on the duplication and divergent evolution of the CHS and CHS-like genes. Comparative analyses of gene structure, ex- pression patterns and catalytic properties revealed extensive differentiation in both regulation and func- tion among duplicate CHS genes. It is also proposed that the CHS-like enzymes in the CHS-superfamily evolved from CHS at different times in various or- ganisms. The CHS-superfamily thus offers a valuable model to study the rates and patterns of sequence divergence between duplicate genes.