Overlapping genes and the proteins they encode differ significantly in their sequence composition from non-overlapping genes.

ABSTRACT: Overlapping genes represent a fascinating evolutionary puzzle, since they encode two functionally unrelated proteins from the same DNA sequence. They originate by a mechanism of overprinting, in which point mutations in an existing frame allow the expression (the "birth") of a completely new protein from a second frame. In viruses, in which overlapping genes are abundant, these new proteins often play a critical role in infection, yet they are frequently overlooked during genome annotation. This results in erroneous interpretation of mutational studies and in a significant waste of resources. Therefore, overlapping genes need to be correctly detected, especially since they are now thought to be abundant also in eukaryotes. Developing better detection methods and conducting systematic evolu

SUBMITTER: Pavesi A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6195259 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature