From Randomness to Function: de novo Proteins as a Source of Molecular and Cellular Innovation

You are cordially invited to a special seminar of the
Department of Human molecular Genetics and Biochemistry
Department of Cell and Developmental Biology 
Department of Microbiology and Immunology

By
Idan Frumkin PHD
Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
USA

Title:
From Randomness to Function: de novo Proteins as a Source of Molecular and Cellular Innovation

Abstract: How do novel genes emerge? While new genes often evolve from older ones, novelty can also originate from random sequences in a process termed "de novo gene birth". The functions of such de novo genes and how they integrate into complex cellular systems are poorly understood. By screening a library of 100 million random proteins with no sequence similarity to existing proteins, we identified thousands of functional proteins promoting E. coli survival against a toxin or a bacterial virus. Using genetic and biochemical tools, we characterized selected random proteins and revealed they integrate into pre-existing cellular pathways to mitigate cellular threats. Our work provides a mechanistic basis for understanding how de novo gene birth can yield functional proteins that effectively benefit cells evolving under stress.

The Seminar will take place on
Wednesday, January 17th, 2024 at 10:15
At the Faculty of Medicine Building, Room 119