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Updated: Jun 12, 2026

Genetic Mapping of Thermotolerance Differences Between Species of Saccharomyces Yeast via Genome-Wide Reciprocal Hemizygosity Analysis
Published on: August 12, 2019
Horizontal gene transfer: you are what you eat
1Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institutet Stockholm, R8:03 CCK, Karolinska Hospital, SE 17176 Stockholm, Sweden. lars.holmgren@ki.se
Horizontal gene transfer in bacteria aids adaptation. DNA can transfer between somatic cells via apoptotic bodies, potentially influencing tumor progression by propagating viral genes.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Cell Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is crucial for bacterial evolution and adaptation.
- Somatic cells can acquire DNA through the uptake of apoptotic bodies.
- Viral genes integrated into host genomes can be transferred via this mechanism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the transfer of genetic material between somatic cells.
- To explore the role of apoptotic bodies in DNA transfer.
- To understand the implications of this transfer on cellular processes, including tumor progression.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of DNA transfer mechanisms between eukaryotic cells.
- Investigation of apoptotic body uptake by recipient cells.
- Assessment of viral gene propagation following transfer.
Main Results:
- Demonstration of DNA transfer between somatic cells mediated by apoptotic bodies.
- Evidence of receptor-independent transfer of viral genes.
- Observation of DNA replication and propagation in daughter cells with inactivated DNA response pathways.
Conclusions:
- Apoptotic body uptake facilitates intercellular DNA transfer, including viral genetic material.
- This process bypasses typical cellular defenses, potentially impacting cellular functions.
- The transfer and propagation of such DNA may play a role in disease progression, such as cancer.
Related Concept Videos
Types of Genetic Transfer Between Organisms
Types of Genetic Transfer Between Organisms
Horizontal Gene Transfer
Transduction
Export of Mitochondrial and Chloroplast Genes
Genome Size and the Evolution of New Genes

