Genomic phylostratigraphy

Genomic phylostratigraphy is a statistical approach for reconstruction of macroevolutionary trends based on the principle of founder gene formation and punctuated emergence of protein families. Phylostratigraphy, a novel statistical method, was developed by Tomislav Domazet-Lošo at the Ruđer Bošković Institute in Zagreb, Croatia. The method allows the point of origin for any existing gene to be determined by tracing the last common ancestor in which this gene existed. Based on this information, it is then possible to determine the minimal age for any given gene.

References

• Domazet-Lošo T, Brajković J, Tautz D (2007) . A phylostratigraphy approach to uncover the genomic history of major adaptations in metazoan lineages. Trends in genetics

• Tomislav Domazet-Lošo and Diethard Tautz: An ancient evolutionary origin of genes associated with human genetic diseases. Molecular Biology and Evolution, September 26, 2008; doi 10.1093/molbev/msn214