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New genes born by accident lead to evolutionary innovation

Date:
January 4, 2016
Source:
PLOS
Summary:
Novel genes are continuously emerging during evolution, but what drives this process? A new study has found that the fortuitous appearance of certain combinations of elements in the genome can lead to the generation of new genes.
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Novel genes are continuously emerging during evolution, but what drives this process? A new study, published in PLOS Genetics, has found that the fortuitous appearance of certain combinations of elements in the genome can lead to the generation of new genes. This work was led by Jorge Ruiz-Orera and Mar Albà from Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute in Barcelona (IMIM-ICREA).

In every genome, there are sets of genes, which are unique to that particular species. In this study, the scientists first identified thousands of genes that were specific to human or chimpanzee. Then, they searched the macaque genome and discovered that this species had significantly less element motifs in the corresponding genomic sequences. These motifs are recognized by proteins that activate gene expression, a necessary step in the formation of a new gene.

The formation of genes de novo from previously non-active parts of the genome was, until recently, considered highly improbable. This study has shown that the mutations that occur normally in our genetic material may be sufficient to explain how this happens. Once expressed, the genes can act as a substrate for the evolution of new molecular functions. This study identified several candidate human proteins that bear no resemblance to any other known protein. What they do is an enigma still to be resolved.


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Journal Reference:

  1. Jorge Ruiz-Orera, Jessica Hernandez-Rodriguez, Cristina Chiva, Eduard Sabidó, Ivanela Kondova, Ronald Bontrop, Tomàs Marqués-Bonet, M.Mar Albà. Origins of De Novo Genes in Human and Chimpanzee. PLOS Genetics, 2015; 11 (12): e1005721 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1005721

Cite This Page:

PLOS. "New genes born by accident lead to evolutionary innovation." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 4 January 2016. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/01/160104080257.htm>.
PLOS. (2016, January 4). New genes born by accident lead to evolutionary innovation. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 18, 2024 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/01/160104080257.htm
PLOS. "New genes born by accident lead to evolutionary innovation." ScienceDaily. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/01/160104080257.htm (accessed March 18, 2024).

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