Some of these 155 completely new genes in the human genome are ancient while others appeared much more recently
Although modern humans diverged evolutionarily from our closest relatives, chimpanzees, nearly seven million years ago, continued to evolve.
About 155 new genes have been identified that sprung up spontaneously (de novo) from tiny stretches of human DNA, and some of these “microgenes” appear to be related to human diseases, according to a new study led by a Greek researcher.
The scientists, led by Nikolaos Vakirlis of the “Alexander Fleming” Biomedical Sciences Research Center in Vari, who made the relevant publication in the Biology journal “Cell Reports”, created a “family tree” that compares humans with 99 other species of vertebrates , such as gorillas, chimpanzees, horses, alligators, etc. Using computational techniques, the researchers turned back the evolutionary clock.
Thus, tracking the emergence of new genes over time, they found 155 that appeared from “nowhere” (de novo) and not from the pre-existing genome (by the usual process of mutations). De novo genes arise spontaneously from segments of DNA that do not code for proteins, but then themselves code for microproteins. Some of these 155 completely new genes in the human genome are ancient, dating back to the time when all mammals originated, while others appeared much more recently, according to the study.
Of these 155 new genes, at least 44 appear to be related to cell growth and body health. The researchers’ study of their role in diseases led to the conclusion that, among others, three of them are related to diseases such as muscular dystrophy, retinopathy of the eye and Alazami syndrome. Another new gene is related to human heart tissue.
“It will be very interesting in future studies to understand what these microgenes can do and whether they may be directly involved in a disease,” said Mr. Vakirlis. As he told Live Science, “we found that two of them are unique to humans,” meaning they haven’t appeared in the genomes of other animals.
RES-EMP
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