Stochastic Gain and Loss of Novel Transcribed Open Reading Frames in the Human Lineage.

In addition to known genes, much of the human genome is transcribed into RNA. Chance formation of novel open reading frames (ORFs) can lead to the translation of myriad new proteins. Some of these ORFs may yield advantageous adaptive de novo proteins.

Evolution of novel genes in three-spined stickleback populations.

Eukaryotic genomes frequently acquire new protein-coding genes which may significantly impact an organism's fitness. Novel genes can be created, for example, by duplication of large genomic regions or de novo, from previously non-coding DNA. Either way, creation of a novel transcript is an essential early step during novel gene emergence.

Incipient de novo genes can evolve from frozen accidents that escaped rapid transcript turnover.

A recent surge of studies have suggested that many novel genes arise de novo from previously noncoding DNA and not by duplication. However, most studies concentrated on longer evolutionary time scales and rarely considered protein structural properties. Therefore, it remains unclear how these properties are shaped by evolution, depend on genetic mechanisms and influence gene survival.

Fact or fiction: updates on how protein-coding genes might emerge from previously non-coding DNA.

Over the last few years, there has been an increasing amount of evidence for the emergence of protein-coding genes, i.e. out of non-coding DNA.

The Goddard and Saturn Genes Are Essential for Drosophila Male Fertility and May Have Arisen De Novo.

New genes arise through a variety of mechanisms, including the duplication of existing genes and the de novo birth of genes from noncoding DNA sequences. While there are numerous examples of duplicated genes with important functional roles, the functions of de novo genes remain largely unexplored. Many newly evolved genes are expressed in the male reproductive tract, suggesting that these evolutionary innovations may provide advantages to males experiencing sexual selection.

Mechanisms of transcription factor evolution in Metazoa.

Transcriptions factors (TFs) are pivotal for the regulation of virtually all cellular processes, including growth and development. Expansions of TF families are causally linked to increases in organismal complexity. Here we study the evolutionary dynamics, genetic causes and functional implications of the five largest metazoan TF families.