The Origins and Evolution of Genes, Genetic Code and Proteins

A special issue of Genes (ISSN 2073-4425). This special issue belongs to the section "Population and Evolutionary Genetics and Genomics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 October 2025 | Viewed by 1277

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
G&L Kyosei Institute, The Keihanna Academy of Science and Culture (KASC), Keihanna Interaction Plaza, Laboratory Wing 3F, 1-7 Hikaridai, Seika-cho, Souraku, Kyoto 619-0237, Japan
Interests: origin of genes; origin of genetic codes; origin of tRNA; origin of proteins; origin of the genetic system; origin of life
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The genetic system, composed of genes, genetic codes (tRNA) and proteins, is the most fundamental system to the existence of life. Therefore, elucidating the origin of the genetic system is essential for understanding the origin of life and how the first life arose on Earth. However, it is still a mystery that has not been solved, as the origin of life has mainly been studied in terms of the RNA world hypothesis. Therefore, in this Special Issue, “The origins of genes, genetic code and proteins”, we seek to publish research that discusses the questions “how were the four parts of the genetic system formed?”, “how was the first genetic system itself established?”, “what is necessary to elucidate the mystery of the origin of life?” and so on.

Prof. Dr. Kenji Ikehara
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • origin of genes
  • evolution of genes
  • origin of genetic code
  • evolution of genetic code
  • origin of tRNA
  • evolution of tRNA
  • origin of proteins
  • evolution of proteins
  • origin of life
  • evolution of life

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Review

21 pages, 1060 KiB  
Review
Origin and Evolution of Genes in Eukaryotes: Mechanisms, Dynamics, and Functional Implications
by Salvatore Saccone, Desiree Brancato, Francesca Bruno, Elvira Coniglio, Valentina Sturiale and Concetta Federico
Genes 2025, 16(6), 702; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes16060702 - 12 Jun 2025
Viewed by 986
Abstract
The origin and evolution of genes are central themes in evolutionary biology and genomics, shedding light on how molecular innovations shape biological complexity and adaptation. This review explores the principal mechanisms underlying gene emergence in eukaryotes, including gene duplication, de novo gene birth, [...] Read more.
The origin and evolution of genes are central themes in evolutionary biology and genomics, shedding light on how molecular innovations shape biological complexity and adaptation. This review explores the principal mechanisms underlying gene emergence in eukaryotes, including gene duplication, de novo gene birth, horizontal gene transfer, viral gene domestication, and exon shuffling. We examine the population dynamics that govern the fixation of new genes, their functional integration, and the selective forces acting upon them—from purifying selection to adaptive innovation. Examples such as NOTCH2NL and SRGAP2C, which originated through recent segmental duplications followed by neofunctionalization, illustrate how duplicate-derived de novo genes can play a key role in human brain development. In addition, we highlight the emerging relevance of nuclear architecture in determining the evolutionary fate of new genes, offering a spatial dimension to gene innovation. We also discuss methodological approaches for detecting new genes and inferring selection, and finally, we highlight the emerging role of the human pangenome in revealing hidden gene diversity and its implications for evolutionary and biomedical research. Understanding gene innovation not only enhances our grasp of evolutionary processes but also informs clinical studies on disease susceptibility and human uniqueness. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Origins and Evolution of Genes, Genetic Code and Proteins)
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