Beyond junk DNA: Adaptive evolution of pseudogenes in vertebrates (IMAGE)

Innovation Press

Beyond junk DNA: Adaptive evolution of pseudogenes in vertebrates

Caption

Pseudogenes are now recognized as dynamic contributors to vertebrate adaptation and human disease.

Recurrent pseudogenization events shape immune, sensory, and metabolic adaptation in vertebrates.

In humans, pseudogenes play protective or pathogenic roles in cancer, hematopoiesis, and metabolic disorders.

Credit

Jin Z., Meng X., Zhao L., et al. (2026). Beyond junk DNA: Adaptive evolution of pseudogenes in vertebrates. The Innovation Life 4:100240. https://doi.org/10.59717/j.xinn-life.2026.100240

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