Microsatellites (tandemly repeated DNA sequences of 1-6bp) are currently the genetic makers of choice, spanning applications from genetic mapping to population genetics and DNA forensics. Whilst dominantly viewed us neutral markers, their mutational dynamics are of increasing interest as they have been found to play a role in gene expression and adaptive evolution. Various studies have attempted to examine and explain the complex pattern of evolution that occurs at microsatellite loci, but a comprehensive picture is still missing.

In our studies we combine genomic data mining and statistical analysis to explore microsatellite evolution in a genomic context. In particular, we examine the relationship among microsatellites with respect to other genomic elements, i.e. transposons, replication origins, promoter regions etc., in order to investigate their role within the genome. Subsequently, we utilize our findings in phylogenetic comparisons among related yeast species to establish (or not) microsatellite functions in overall genome evolution.

At this meeting we present some preliminary results, showing that there are distinctive high and low density regions of microsatellites and which correlate with known genomic features. We discuss the possible (functional) implications of these associations.