The adaptive evolution of cancer driver genes.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Cancer is a life-threatening disease in humans; yet, cancer genes are frequently reported to be under positive selection. This suggests an evolutionary-genetic paradox in which cancer evolves as a secondary product of selection in human beings. However, systematic investigation of the evolution of cancer driver genes is sparse.

Results

Using comparative genomics analysis, population genetics analysis and computational molecular evolutionary analysis, the evolution of 568 cancer driver genes of 66 cancer types were evaluated at two levels, selection on the early evolution of humans (long timescale selection in the human lineage during primate evolution, i.e., millions of years), and recent selection in modern human populations (~ 100,000 years). Results showed that

SUBMITTER: Gu L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10131384 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature