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Horizontal gene acquisitions by eukaryotes as drivers of adaptive evolution
Gerald Schönknecht1, Andreas P M Weber, Martin J Lercher
1Department of Botany, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA.
Summary
Horizontal gene transfer, moving genes between species, significantly aids eukaryotic adaptation. This process, previously underestimated, provides crucial genetic material for evolutionary success.
Area of Science:
- Genomics
- Evolutionary Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) facilitates genetic material exchange between different species, unlike vertical gene transfer.
- Bacteria and archaea commonly utilize HGT for adaptation.
- Eukaryotic genomes also acquire genes via HGT from prokaryotes and other lineages, suggesting a significant role in evolution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To hypothesize that horizontally acquired genes contribute more to eukaryotic adaptive evolution than previously recognized.
- To highlight that current sets of horizontally acquired eukaryotic genes may represent only a fraction of the total.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of eukaryotic genomes for horizontally acquired genes.
- Comparative genomics to identify genes originating from different species.
- Case studies of specific organisms adapting to extreme environments.
Main Results:
- The thermoacidophilic red alga Galdieria sulphuraria adapted to extreme conditions through numerous gene acquisitions from extremophile bacteria and archaea.
- Identified horizontally acquired genes involved in adaptation, such as ice-binding proteins in marine algae, carotenoid biosynthesis enzymes in aphids, and fungal metabolic genes.
Conclusions:
- Horizontally acquired genes play a substantial role in the adaptive evolution of eukaryotes.
- The extent of HGT in eukaryotes is likely underestimated, with significant implications for understanding genome evolution and adaptation.
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