A simple method for estimating the strength of natural selection on overlapping genes.

ABSTRACT: Overlapping genes, where one DNA sequence codes for two proteins with different reading frames, are not uncommon in viruses and cellular organisms. Estimating the direction and strength of natural selection acting on overlapping genes is important for understanding their functionality, origin, evolution, maintenance, and potential interaction. However, the standard methods for estimating synonymous (dS) and nonsynonymous (dN) nucleotide substitution rates are inapplicable here because a nucleotide change can be simultaneously synonymous and nonsynonymous when both reading frames involved are considered. We have developed a simple method that can estimate dN/dS and test for the action of natural selection in each relevant reading frame of the overlapping genes. Our method is an extension of

SUBMITTER: Wei X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4316641 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature