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. 2022 Dec 12;13(12):2347.
doi: 10.3390/genes13122347.

The Theory of Carcino-Evo-Devo and Its Non-Trivial Predictions

A P Kozlov  1   2   3
Affiliations

The Theory of Carcino-Evo-Devo and Its Non-Trivial Predictions

A P Kozlov. Genes (Basel). .

Abstract

To explain the sources of additional cell masses in the evolution of multicellular organisms, the theory of carcino-evo-devo, or evolution by tumor neofunctionalization, has been developed. The important demand for a new theory in experimental science is the capability to formulate non-trivial predictions which can be experimentally confirmed. Several non-trivial predictions were formulated using carcino-evo-devo theory, four of which are discussed in the present paper: (1) The number of cellular oncogenes should correspond to the number of cell types in the organism. The evolution of oncogenes, tumor suppressor and differentiation gene classes should proceed concurrently. (2) Evolutionarily new and evolving genes should be specifically expressed in tumors (TSEEN genes). (3) Human orthologs of fish TSEEN genes should acquire progressive functions connected with new cell types, tissues and organs. (4) Selection of tumors for new functions in the organism is possible. Evolutionarily novel organs should recapitulate tumor features in their development. As shown in this paper, these predictions have been confirmed by the laboratory of the author. Thus, we have shown that carcino-evo-devo theory has predictive power, fulfilling a fundamental requirement for a new theory.

Keywords: carcino-evo-devo; evo-devo; non-trivial predictions; tumor neofunctionalization.

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Conflict of interest statement

The author declares no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Three different classes of genes are necessary for the origin and evolutionary enhancement of functional molecular feedback loops in a new cell type during evolution—oncogenes (Onc), tumor suppressor genes (TSG) and evolutionarily novel genes, which determine new functions (ENG). Reprinted with permission from Ref. [9].Copyright 2014 Elsevier Inc.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Human TSEEN protein-coding genes database.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Flow diagram for the study of selected groups of zebrafish genes and their human orthologs. Reprinted with permission from Ref. [35]. Copyright 2019 of the authors.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Mammalian adipose gene network originated from fish TTRgrEEN genes, which participates in adipose organ development and tumor formation.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Upgraded version of adipose gene network, which includes ZAG gene.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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