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Molecular Evolution of the Tre Recombinase
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Rooted tRNAomes and evolution of the genetic code.

Daewoo Pak1, Nan Du2, Yunsoo Kim3

  • 1a Center for Statistical Training and Consulting , Michigan State University , E. Lansing , MI 48824 , USA.

Transcription
|January 27, 2018
PubMed
Summary

This study proposes a transfer RNA (tRNA)-centric model for genetic code evolution, suggesting polyglycine as an initial product and detailing a stepwise code expansion. The findings reveal conserved tRNA structures shaping the code and propose hypotheses for anticodon allocation and sectoring.

Keywords:
The last universal common cellular ancestoraminoacyl tRNA synthetasesgenetic codetRNA

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • The evolution of the genetic code is complex, with current models often focusing on messenger RNA (mRNA).
  • Understanding the role of transfer RNA (tRNA) in the early stages of genetic code development is crucial.
  • The Last Universal Common Ancestor (LUCA) tRNAome provides a potential framework for studying code origins.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To advocate for a tRNA-centric model over an mRNA-centric one for genetic code evolution.
  • To propose the polyglycine hypothesis for the initial product of the genetic code.
  • To present the sectoring-degeneracy hypothesis for anticodon allocation and a stepwise model for code expansion.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative analysis of rooted tRNAomes from archaeal and bacterial species.
  • Phylogenetic analysis to reveal conserved tRNA structures.
  • Development of a stepwise model for genetic code sectoring and expansion.

Main Results:

  • Rooted tRNAome trees show conserved structures that shaped the genetic code.
  • The polyglycine hypothesis suggests short-chain polyglycine stabilized protocells as an early genetic code product.
  • A stepwise model illustrates code expansion from 1 to approximately 16 letters, with later additions including stop codons.
  • Negative selection of tRNA wobble adenine in archaea and bacteria limits the primordial code size to 48 anticodons.

Conclusions:

  • A tRNA-centric model offers a simplified understanding of genetic code evolution.
  • The evolution of the genetic code involved positive selection for wobble base ambiguity and subsequent innovations.
  • tRNA-mRNA coevolution necessitates tRNA wobble position ambiguity, leading to genetic code degeneracy.