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12/01/2016
New genes formed continuously allowing acquisition of novel functions during evolution
Why are there genes that can only be detected in humans or chimpanzees and that cannot be found in any other species? How are new genes formed during evolution?
Barcelona, 11 January, 2016 - Research just published in the journal Plos Genetics has found that gaining new genes during evolution is a much more frequent event than previously thought. It has been seen that there are hundreds of genes that might be unique to humans, and something similar occurs in chimpanzees. Some of these genes will be useful for the organism in question and the rest will disappear in time. The work was led by Mar Albà, an ICREA researcher of the Evolutionary genomics group of GRIB (IMIM-UPF) and Jorge Ruiz-Orera, from the same group, together with researchers from Pompeu Fabra University (UPF) and the Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG).
For some time it was thought that all new genes originated from other genes, for example, from duplications of already existing genes. But recently it has been seen that some, the so-called de novo genes, originate in genomic regions that previously contained none. According to Mar Albà "This work shows that the formation of DNA motifs, through the accumulation of random mutations, would have been a determining factor in the emergence of new genes." DNA motifs are elements that activate gene expression.
In order to understand this new-gene forming process, the researchers first identified hundreds of genes specific to humans and chimps. They then compared these with the corresponding genome sequences of macaques and discovered that the new genes were enriched in DNA motifs, a necessary step in their formation. In addition, the study identified 21 previously unknown human proteins.
The formation of genes with completely new functions was a total mystery until recently. This work strongly supports the hypothesis that genes are continually originated de novo. "The study shows that the generation of new genes is a continuous process, allowing organisms to acquire new functions during their evolution", concludes the researcher.
For further information: IMIM Communications Service: Marta Calsina 93 316 0680 mcalsina@imim.es; Rosa Manaut 618509885 rmanaut@imim.es; www.imim.es
