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The Origins and Functions of De Novo Genes: Against All Odds?

2022/04/22 by Caroline M. Weisman · 38 citations
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · #Genomics and Phylogenetic Studies #RNA and protein synthesis mechanisms #RNA modifications and cancer

paper · pdf · doi:10.1007/s00239-022-10055-3

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.

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