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Gene transfer and diversification of microbial eukaryotes.
1Department of Evolution, Genomics and Systematics, Uppsala University, Uppsala S-752 36, Sweden. Jan.Andersson@ebc.uu.se
Annual Review of Microbiology
|July 7, 2009
Summary
Lateral gene transfer significantly impacts microbial eukaryote genome evolution, enabling metabolic adaptation. More systematic studies are needed to fully understand its underestimated role in diversification.
Area of Science:
- Microbial Eukaryote Genomics
- Evolutionary Biology
- Gene Transfer Mechanisms
Background:
- Lateral gene transfer (LGT) is increasingly recognized for its role in microbial eukaryote genome evolution.
- Gene acquisitions, primarily from prokaryotes, facilitate metabolic adaptation across diverse eukaryotic lineages.
- Current understanding of eukaryotic gene transfer relies heavily on anecdotal evidence, potentially influenced by experimental biases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the need for rigorous, systematic studies on gene acquisitions in eukaryotes.
- To encourage a more objective assessment of gene transfer's role in eukaryote evolution.
- To investigate the potential underestimation of LGT's impact on microbial eukaryote diversification.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on gene transfer in eukaryotes.
- Analysis of potential biases in current experimental approaches and sequence databases.
- Proposal for systematic studies encompassing all gene categories and transfer sources.
Main Results:
- Anecdotal evidence currently dominates the study of gene transfer in eukaryotes.
- Observed patterns may reflect biases rather than true evolutionary trends.
- A significant underestimation of LGT's role in microbial eukaryote diversification is possible.
Conclusions:
- Systematic, objective studies are crucial for a comprehensive understanding of gene transfer in eukaryote evolution.
- The impact of LGT on the diversification of microbial eukaryotes may be substantially underestimated.
- Further research is needed to overcome current limitations and biases in the field.
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