The Origins and Functions of De Novo Genes: Against All Odds?
Caroline M. Weisman
Journal of Molecular Evolution (2022) Cite this article
Metrics
Image credit: Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution
Abstract
“De novo” genes evolve from previously non-genic DNA. This strikes many of us as remarkable, because it seems extraordinarily unlikely that random sequence would produce a functional gene. How is this possible? In this two-part review, I first summarize what is known about the origins and molecular functions of the small number of de novo genes for which such information is available. I then speculate on what these examples may tell us about how de novo genes manage to emerge despite what seem like enormous opposing odds.
FREE PDF GRATIS: Journal of Molecular Evolution
