de novo gene birth as an inevitable consequence of adaptive evolution

TL;DR

This paper proposes that de novo gene birth is an inevitable outcome of adaptive evolution, driven by beneficial mutations accumulating in non-genic regions, which are more dynamic and gene-like than previously thought.

Contribution

It introduces a general model suggesting that beneficial mutations in non-genic regions lead to frequent de novo gene birth, supported by genomic data estimates.

Findings

Model aligns with observed recurrent gene birth

Non-genic regions are dynamic sources of potential genes

De novo gene birth is driven by adaptive mutations

Abstract

Phylostratigraphy suggests that new genes are continually born de novo from non-genic sequences, and the genes that persist found new lineages, contributing to the adaptive evolution of organisms. While recent evidence supports the view that de novo gene birth is frequent and widespread, the mechanisms underlying this process are yet to be discovered. Here we hypothesize and examine a potential general mechanism of gene birth driven by the accumulation of beneficial mutations at non-genic loci. To demonstrate this possibility, we model this mechanism within the boundaries set by current knowledge on mutation effects. Estimates from this analysis are in line with observations of recurrent and extensive gene birth in genomics studies. Thus, we propose that, rather than being inactive and silent, non-genic regions are likely to be dynamic storehouses of potential genes.