The BC200 RNA gene and its neural expression are conserved in Anthropoidea(primates)

The gene encoding BC200 RNA arose from a monomeric Alu element. Subsequentl y, the RNA had been recruited or exapted into a function of the nervous sys tem. Here we confirm the presence of the BC200 gene in several primate spec ies among the Anthropoidea. The period following the divergence of New Worl d monkeys and Old World monkeys from their common ancestor is characterized by a significantly higher substitution rate in the examined 5' flanking re gion than in the BC200 RNA coding region itself. Furthermore, the conservat ion of CpG dimers in the RNA coding region (200 bp) is drastically increase d compared to the 5' flanking region (similar to 400 bp) over all 12 specie s examined. Finally, the brain-specific expression pattern of BC200 RNA and its presence as a ribonucleoprotein particle (RNP) are conserved in Old Wo rld and New World monkeys. Our studies indicate that the gene encoding BC20 0 RNA was created at least 35-55 million years ago and its presence, mode o f expression, and association with protein(s) as an RNP are under selective pressure.