Gene competition and the possible evolutionary role of tumours

Abstract

The evolutionary role of tumours might consist of providing the conditions for the expression of evolutionary new genes and thus in providing the material for the origin of new cell types. To approach this concept the principle of gene competition is essential. With an increase in gene number in the genomes of the evolving multicellular organisms the enforcement of gene competition should take place. Therefore, the pre-existing cell types possess limited possibilities for the expression of evolutionary new genes. Like evolutionary new genes originated from extra copies (duplicates) of old genes, evolutionary new cell types had to originate from extra cells which were not functionally necessary to the organism. Tumours could have supplied the evolving multicellular organisms with extra cells for the expression of originating evolutionary new genes. Of course, on the basis of this proposal only tumours at the earlier stages of progression are considered to be meaningful, or some kind of tumour-like processes, but not malignant tumours at late stages of progression. The evolutionary new genes originate in the DNA of germ line cells but not in DNA of tumour cells. Until the moment of their expression in the tumour cells these genes could stay silent. After the expression of these genes tumour cells should acquire the function in the organism, differentiate and lose their previous autonomy. The organisms with a new cell type should then be selected against their fitness and competitive abilities.