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Updated: Feb 18, 2026

Detection of Horizontal Gene Transfer Mediated by Natural Conjugative Plasmids in E. coli
Published on: March 24, 2023
Functional horizontal gene transfer from bacteria to eukaryotes
Filip Husnik1,2,3, John P McCutcheon2
1Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia and Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic (ASCR), Ceske Budejovice 370 05, Czech Republic.
Abstract:
Bacteria influence eukaryotic biology as parasitic, commensal or beneficial symbionts. Aside from these organismal interactions, bacteria have also been important sources of new genetic sequences through horizontal gene transfer (HGT) for eukaryotes. In this Review, we focus on gene transfers from bacteria to eukaryotes, discuss how horizontally transferred genes become functional and explore what functions are endowed upon a broad diversity of eukaryotes by genes derived from bacteria. We classify HGT events into two broad types: those that maintain pre-existing functions and those that provide the recipient with new functionality, including altered host nutrition, protection and adaptation to extreme environments.
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