Can anyone explain what does it mean that two genes share similar non-coding sequences?
When I align two genes that I am interested in, there is particular sequences about 120 bp length that shares about 80% similarity. This small fragment is located in intron of both genes, I see it shows up repeatedly in intron and downstream region from end of the gene.
Is this common that genes are share non-coding sequences? Is it some part of functional DNA element? I just cannot figure what it means, and how to test whether it is functional or meaningful. Does anyone know good references or experiences?
Thank you very much..!!
Could you be more specific with regard to the shared sequence? Is it by chance a repetitive element?