[Systematic analysis of cis-nested gene pairs in the human genome]

In the genome one gene, whose entire or the most part of the sequence localizes in an intronic or UTR region of another larger gene, is called nested gene. A nested gene pair consists of a host and a nested gene. Here, we conducted a systematic scanning and analysis to identify all cis-nested gene pairs and their structural features in the human genome. Meanwhile, we also explored possible mechanism for evolution of nested gene and the relationship between the host and the cis-nested gene (denoted as nested gene in short). Our analysis indicated that evolution of nested gene pair probably arose from the transposition, de novo mutation, and the mutations occurred in transcription start or termination sites. The change in transcription starting or ending site could be a unique mechanism driving evolution of nested gene pair. Gene Ontology analysis indicated the gene products of the nested gene and its host counterpart have no functional correlation.