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Tractable Mammalian Cell Infections with Protozoan-primed Bacteria
Published on: April 2, 2013
Widespread lateral gene transfer from intracellular bacteria to multicellular eukaryotes
Julie C Dunning Hotopp1, Michael E Clark, Deodoro C S G Oliveira
1Institute for Genomic Research, J. Craig Venter Institute, 9712 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD 20850, USA. jhotopp@som.umaryland.edu
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|September 1, 2007
Summary
Lateral gene transfer from bacteria to eukaryotes is rare but occurs via endosymbionts like Wolbachia. This study confirms gene transfers into insect and nematode genomes, showing potential for new gene acquisition in eukaryotes.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Lateral gene transfer (LGT) is common in bacteria but rare between bacteria and multicellular eukaryotes.
- Endosymbionts, such as Wolbachia pipientis, residing in eukaryotic germlines may mediate bacterial gene transfer to host genomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate evidence of gene transfer events from Wolbachia bacteria to eukaryotic host genomes.
- To determine the extent and functionality of these transferred genes.
Main Methods:
- Genomic analysis of insect and nematode species harboring Wolbachia endosymbionts.
- Computational detection of potential gene transfer events in additional sequenced insect genomes.
- Analysis of gene transcription in eukaryotic cells for inserted bacterial genes.
Main Results:
- Confirmed gene transfers from Wolbachia to the genomes of four insect and four nematode species.
- Observed insertions ranging from small fragments to nearly the entire Wolbachia genome.
- Detected potential transfers in three additional insect genomes.
- Demonstrated transcription of some inserted Wolbachia genes in eukaryotic cells, even without endosymbionts.
Conclusions:
- Heritable lateral gene transfer from prokaryotic symbionts to eukaryotic hosts occurs.
- This process provides a potential mechanism for eukaryotes to acquire new genes and functions.
- Wolbachia endosymbionts play a significant role in facilitating gene transfer to their hosts.
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