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The evolution of the phage shock protein response system: interplay between protein function, genomic organization,
1Centre for Bioinformatics, Division of Molecular Biosciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom. m.huvet@imperial.ac.uk
Molecular Biology and Evolution
|November 10, 2010
Summary
The bacterial phage shock protein (Psp) stress response system evolved by gradually incorporating new genes into its operon. This gene recruitment enhances sensory and signaling functions, ensuring system functionality and evolutionary conservation.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology and Evolutionary Biology
- Bacterial stress response mechanisms
- Gene regulation and operon organization
Background:
- Organisms require environmental sensing and response systems for survival.
- The phage shock protein (Psp) system is crucial for bacterial stress response, particularly in Escherichia coli K12.
- Understanding the evolutionary trajectory of such systems is key to comprehending their current functionality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the evolutionary history of the phage shock protein (Psp) stress response system in bacteria.
- To elucidate how gene recruitment and operon organization contribute to the Psp system's evolution.
- To experimentally assess the adaptive value of simplified Psp systems in varying oxygen environments.
Main Methods:
- Systematic analysis of genes within the Psp system of E. coli.
- Comparative genomics across 698 bacterial genomes, examining gene sharing, sequence evolution, and conservation of coding/noncoding DNA.
- Comparative analysis of genome and operon organization.
- Experimental evaluation of simplified Psp systems under different oxygen conditions.
Main Results:
- The Psp system evolved from a core mechanism through gradual co-option of genes, enhancing sensory, signaling, and effector functions.
- Gene recruitment is strongly linked to incorporation into the psp operon, as observed in E. coli.
- The psp operon structure provides significant transcriptional control and functional flexibility.
- Evolutionary conservation of Psp system components depends on maintaining overall system functionality.
Conclusions:
- The Psp system demonstrates a model for the evolution of complex cellular response networks.
- Operon organization plays a critical role in the integration and regulation of stress response genes.
- Functional maintenance is the primary driver for the evolutionary conservation of signaling system components.
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