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Microsporidia: Horizontal gene transfers in vicious parasites

Mohammed Selman1, Nicolas Corradi

  • 1Canadian Institute for Advanced Research; Department of Biology; University of Ottawa; Ottawa, ON Canada.

Mobile Genetic Elements
|May 1, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Microsporidia, obligate intracellular parasites, have acquired genes via horizontal gene transfer (HGT). A recent study reveals an animal gene, purine nucleoside phosphorylase, integrated into microsporidian genomes, offering metabolic advantages.

Area of Science:

  • Genomics
  • Parasitology
  • Evolutionary Biology

Background:

  • Microsporidia are obligate intracellular parasites with highly reduced genomes.
  • Gene loss in microsporidia is often compensated by horizontal gene transfer (HGT).
  • Previously, HGT in microsporidia involved only prokaryotic donors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review known HGT events in microsporidian genomes.
  • To discuss the implications of recent HGT findings.
  • To report a novel gene potentially acquired via HGT.

Main Methods:

  • Genomic analysis of microsporidian species.
  • Phylogenetic analysis to trace gene origins.
  • Literature review of HGT in microsporidia.

Main Results:

  • Microsporidian genomes show evidence of HGT from diverse sources.
  • A purine nucleoside phosphorylase gene of arthropod origin was identified in microsporidia.
  • This gene acquisition likely provides metabolic benefits.

Conclusions:

  • Horizontal gene transfer is a significant evolutionary force in microsporidia.
  • The acquisition of animal genes highlights the adaptability of microsporidia.
  • Understanding HGT aids in elucidating the evolution of these parasites.

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