Project description
How new genes drive evolutionary change
Orphan genes are unique to a species or lineage. They drive biological innovation, enabling species-specific adaptations, and represent up to 20 % of genomes, from microbes to primates. Yet most remain uncharacterised and we know little about how they emerge. Funded by the ERC, the Genovation project will evaluate the fitness impact of new genes in bacteria and yeast, study how novel proteins integrate into cellular systems, and uncover the functions of orphan genes in the phage-bacteria arms race. By combining studies of natural and synthetic genes, Genovation seeks to reveal how new genes arise, integrate and shape evolution. Findings offer insights for protein design, cellular engineering and phage-based therapies.
Objective
Orphan genes, unique to an organism or evolutionary lineage, are fundamental drivers of biological innovation. Representing up to 20% of genomes—from microbes to primates—these novel genes enable species-specific adaptations through their diverse functions. However, most orphan genes remain uncharacterized, and the evolutionary pressures governing their emergence are unknown. Addressing these knowledge gaps is crucial for revealing how novel genetic material shapes evolution and biodiversity, particularly in microbial systems.
The Genovation project aims to transform our understanding of gene birth and evolutionary innovation through three aims:
1. Evaluate the fitness impact of newly emerged genes in bacterial and yeast species.
2. Investigate how novel proteins integrate into cellular systems.
3. Elucidate biological functions of successful gene birth events, focusing on the phage-bacteria arms race—where gene birth is highly prevalent.
We will study both synthetic and natural genes to reveal complementary aspects of orphan gene biology. In Aims 1 and 2, we will use my experience with randomly generated nucleotide sequences to simulate early stages of orphan gene emergence in varied genetic backgrounds. Analyzing fitness changes, physiological effects, and protein interactions will provide insights into the relationships between genetic features, cellular contexts, and gene birth. Aim 3 will leverage the rapid evolution and abundance of orphan genes in viral genomes. By identifying orphan genes affecting the phage life cycle and characterizing their functions, we aim to uncover how these genes shape viral-host dynamics and drive novelty.
This project builds on my expertise in large-scale techniques, microbial and phage genetics, and molecular biology methods. The Genovation project promises to yield insights into the mechanisms of evolutionary innovation, potentially opening new avenues in protein design, cellular engineering, and phage-based therapies.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins
- natural sciences biological sciences evolutionary biology
- natural sciences biological sciences ecology ecosystems
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics genomes
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
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Topic(s)
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-ERC - HORIZON ERC Grants
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2025-STG
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
69978 Tel Aviv
Israel
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