When the same sequence of nucleotides codes for regions of more than one functional polypeptide, this sequence contains overlapping genes. Overlap is most common in rapidly evolving genomes with high mutation rates such as viruses, bacteria, and mitochondria. Overlap is thought to be important as: (1) a means of compressing a maximum amount of information into short sequences of structural genes; and (2) as a mechanism for regulating gene expression through translational coupling of functionally related polypeptides. The stability of overlapping codes is examined in relation to the information cost of overlap and the mutation rate of the genome. The degree of overlap in a given population will tend to become monomorphic. Evolution toward partial overlap of genes is shown to depend on a convex cost function of overlap. Overlap does not evolve when expression of overlapping genes is mutually exclusive and produced by rare mutations to the wild-type genome. Assuming overlap increases coupling between functionally related genes, the conditions favoring overlap are explored in relation to the kinetics of gene activation and decay. Coupling is most effective for genes in which the gene overlapping at its 5′ end (leading gene) decays rapidly, while the gene overlapping at the 3′ end (induced gene) decays slowly. If gene expression can feedback on itself (autocatalysis), then high rates of activation favor overlap.

Corresponding Editor: M. Riley