Emergence of New Genes and Gene Products: Mechanisms, Evolution and Functional Implications

Rodriguez, José Antonio (1); Fullaondo, Asier (2); Iglesias-Ara, Ainhoa (3); Zubiaga, Ana M. (4)

Publication year:

2025

Publication place:

Donostia

Characteristics:

BIBLID [0212-7016; eISSN: 2953-4180 (2025), 70, 2]. - Recep.: 04-09-2025; Acep.: 16-01-2026

DOI:

doi.org/10.61879/riev702zkia202506

ISSN:

0212-7016; eISSN: 2953-4180

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Summary

Genomes across the tree of life contain highly variable gene numbers, reflecting differences in biological complexity. The emergence of new genes is a major driver of evolutionary innovation, enabling the acquisition of novel traits. Gene duplication, first proposed nearly a century ago, is the primary mechanism underlying new gene formation. This review outlines the molecular mechanisms of gene duplication, the possible evolutionary fates of duplicated genes, and their functional consequences, highlighting their roles in organismal evolution, brain complexity, and human disease.