On the possibility of death of new genes - evidence from the deletion of de novo microRNAs.

ABSTRACT:

Background

New genes are constantly formed, sometimes from non-genic sequences, creating what is referred to as de novo genes. Since the total number of genes remains relatively steady, gene deaths likely balance out new births. In metazoan genomes, microRNAs (miRs) genes, small and non-coding, account for the bulk of functional de novo genes and are particularly suited to the investigation of gene death.

Results

In this study, we discover a Drosophila-specific de novo miRNA (mir-977) that may be facing impending death. Strikingly, after this testis-specific gene is deleted from D. melanogaster, most components of male fitness increase, rather than decrease as had been expected. These components include male viability, fertility and males' ability to repress female re-mating

SUBMITTER: Lu GA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5966946 | biostudies-literature | 2018 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature