Adaptive evolution by spontaneous domain fusion and protein relocalization
Andrew D Farr1,2, Philippe Remigi1, Paul B Rainey3,4,5
1New Zealand Institute for Advanced Study, Massey University, Auckland, 0745, New Zealand.
Nature Ecology & Evolution
|November 30, 2017
Summary
New genes can emerge through domain swapping, as shown by experimental evolution in Pseudomonas fluorescens. A fused gene created an adaptive
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Genomics
- Microbial genetics
Background:
- Understanding adaptive processes requires knowledge of new gene emergence.
- Computational studies suggest domain swapping as a mechanism for new gene formation, but empirical evidence is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide empirical evidence for new gene formation via domain swapping.
- To investigate the genetic basis and adaptive significance of a novel gene fusion.
Main Methods:
- Experimental evolution of Pseudomonas fluorescens under selection.
- Identification and genetic analysis of deletion mutations leading to gene fusions.
- Phenotypic characterization of the 'wrinkly spreader' phenotype.
Main Results:
- Nine independent deletion mutations resulted in translational fusion of a fatty acid desaturase domain with a di-guanylate cyclase domain.
- The gene fusion generated an adaptive 'wrinkly spreader' phenotype.
- Detailed analysis of one fusion revealed that relocalization of the di-guanylate cyclase domain to the cell membrane caused the mutant phenotype.
Conclusions:
- Domain swapping is a viable mechanism for generating new, adaptive genes.
- The observed gene fusion provides a model for studying the evolutionary consequences of mutational events.
- This study offers insights into the role of gene fusion in the evolution of novel functions.
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