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Updated: May 14, 2026

A Bioinformatics Pipeline for Investigating Molecular Evolution and Gene Expression using RNA-seq
Published on: May 28, 2021
Beyond genomes: functional signatures reveal evolutionary patterns across the tree of life
A Muñoz-Mérida1,2, A J Muñoz-Pajares3
1Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, CIBIO, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Universidade do Porto, Campus de Vairão, Vairão 4485-661, Portugal.
Abstract:
Protein function evolution provides a powerful lens to uncover biological complexity. Here, we introduce the concept of the pan-functionome-the full set of protein functions encoded by the proteome of individuals belonging to a taxonomic group-and explore its evolutionary implications. By analyzing over 1,000 annotated proteomes across major branches of life, we identify systematic differences in functional composition that reflect deep evolutionary patterns. The number of biological processes per protein increases nonlinearly over time, with functional diversification rather than protein expansion driving organismal complexity. Distinct taxonomic divisions invest differently in biological processes, highlighting signatures of multicellularity, metabolism, and stress response. Phylogenetic analyses suggest that the evolution of protein functions follows a non-neutral model. Furthermore, functional profiles allow robust taxonomic classification and reveal unique adaptations in individual organisms. Our findings suggest that the functionome provides a complementary perspective on evolution, with potential applications in taxonomy, evolutionary biology, and comparative genomics.
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