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Related Concept Videos

Exon Recombination02:32

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The evolution of new genes is critical for speciation. Exon recombination, also known as exon shuffling or domain shuffling, is an important means of new gene formation. It is observed across vertebrates, invertebrates, and in some plants such as potatoes and sunflowers. During exon recombination, exons from the same or different genes recombine and produce new exon-intron combinations, which might evolve into new genes. 
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While every living organism has a genome of some kind (be it RNA, or DNA), there is considerable variation in the sizes of these blueprints. One major factor that impacts genome size is whether the organism is prokaryotic or eukaryotic. In prokaryotes, the genome contains little to no non-coding sequence, such that genes are tightly clustered in groups or operons sequentially along the chromosome. Conversely, the genes in eukaryotes are punctuated by long stretches of non-coding sequence.
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Gene families consist of groups of genes proposed to have originated from a common ancestor. Typically these arise through events in which a gene or genes are mistakenly duplicated during cell division. Unlike their parent genes (which are subject to selection pressure to maintain function), these gene copies do not need to preserve their sequences and may evolve at a relatively faster rate.
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The seminal work of Ohno in 1970 popularized the idea of gene duplication and divergence. DNA sequence comparison studies reveal that a large portion of the genes in bacteria, archaebacteria, and eukaryotes was  generated by gene duplication and divergence, indicating its critical role in evolution.
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Using Phylogenetic Analysis to Investigate Eukaryotic Gene Origin
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Orphans and new gene origination, a structural and evolutionary perspective.

Sara Light1, Walter Basile2, Arne Elofsson3

  • 1Science for Life Laboratory, Stockholm University, SE-171 21 Solna, Sweden; Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden; Bioinformatics Infrastructure for Life Sciences, Sweden.

Current Opinion in Structural Biology
|June 18, 2014
PubMed
Summary

The creation of new proteins (de novo gene emergence) is more frequent than previously thought, challenging early assumptions about gene origins. Ongoing research explores this continuous process across diverse life forms.

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Area of Science:

  • Genomics
  • Molecular Biology
  • Evolutionary Biology

Background:

  • Historically, de novo protein creation was considered rare, with most genes assumed to originate early in life's history.
  • Genomic data increasingly suggests that protein-coding genes are often lineage-specific, indicating ongoing gene creation.
  • The emergence of novel genes may occur as frequently as gene duplications, with many de novo genes being transient.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent findings on the frequency and extent of de novo protein creation.
  • To discuss the technical challenges hindering a definitive understanding of de novo gene emergence.
  • To explore evidence of de novo gene emergence across various organisms, from bacteria to humans.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of genomic data from completely sequenced genomes.
  • Review of existing research on protein evolution and gene emergence.
  • Examination of evidence for de novo gene emergence in diverse taxa.

Main Results:

  • Evidence suggests de novo gene emergence occurs in organisms ranging from bacteria to humans.
  • Orphan genes, potentially arising de novo, show overexpression in human brain and testis.
  • Despite indications of frequent de novo creation, technical limitations persist in quantifying its extent.

Conclusions:

  • The frequency of de novo protein creation is a significant area of ongoing research.
  • Understanding de novo gene emergence is crucial for comprehending genome evolution.
  • Further methodological advancements are needed to definitively assess the scope of de novo protein creation.