摘要：SummaryThe existence of overlapping genes (OLGs) with significant coding overlaps revolutionizes our understanding of genomic complexity. We report two exceptionally long (957 nt and 1536 nt), evolutionarily novel, translated antisense open reading frames (ORFs) embedded within annotated genes in the pathogenic Gram-negative bacteriumPseudomonas aeruginosa. Both OLG pairs show sequence features consistent with being genes and transcriptional signals in RNA sequencing. Translation of both OLGs was confirmed by ribosome profiling and mass spectrometry. Quantitative proteomics of samples taken during different phases of growth revealed regulation of protein abundances, implying biological functionality. Both OLGs are taxonomically restricted, and likely arose by overprinting within the genus. Evidence for purifying selection further supports functionality. The OLGs reported here, designatedolg1andolg2, are the longest yet proposed in prokaryotes and are among the best attested in terms of translation and evolutionary constraint. These results highlight a potentially large unexplored dimension of prokaryotic genomes.Graphical abstractDisplay OmittedHighlights•Two novel, very long, overlapping genes were found inPseudomonas aeruginosa•Both overlapping genes,olg1andolg2, are transcribed, translated, and regulated•Mass spectrometry verifies translation of the overlapping and their mother genes•Both overlapping genes are taxonomically restricted, but under purifying selectionMicrobiology; Genomic analysis
