While this is an attractive idea, an analysis of regulatory element evolution shows that lineage - specific regulatory innovation for development occurred prior to human and mouse divergence [78]. (journals.plos.org)
Now, Shannon Xu, together with Gantz and Bier, employ CRISPR / Cas9 to edit gene regulatory elements in their native genomic environments, revealing new fundamental mechanisms that control gene activity, as described Feb. 6 in eLife. (sciencedaily.com)
Therefore, throughout mammalian evolution regulatory elements for development and cellular processes have likely remained intact while nearby DNA has been frequently turned over. (journals.plos.org)