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Transcriptome, proteome and draft genome of Euglena gracilis.
ThankGod E Ebenezer1,2, Martin Zoltner1, Alana Burrell3
1School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 5EH, UK.
BMC Biology
|February 9, 2019
Summary
This study presents the first gene catalog for Euglena gracilis, revealing its unique genome and adaptability. These findings advance research on this key freshwater organism and its biotechnological potential.
Area of Science:
- Eukaryotic genomics
- Molecular biology
- Ecosystem science
Background:
- Photosynthetic euglenids are vital to freshwater ecosystems.
- Euglena gracilis exhibits metabolic flexibility and adaptability.
- Lack of a gene catalog hinders research and biotechnology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a detailed transcriptome and partial genome for Euglena gracilis Z1.
- To enable basic research and translational efforts for E. gracilis.
- To investigate the genetic basis of E. gracilis' adaptability.
Main Methods:
- Whole-genome sequencing and transcriptome analysis.
- Bioinformatic annotation of coding sequences.
- Comparative genomics analysis.
Main Results:
- The E. gracilis Z1 genome is ~500 Mb, encoding over 36,000 proteins.
- The genome shows contributions from multiple photosynthetic lineages, supporting the 'shopping bag' hypothesis.
- Gene families, particularly signal transduction, are massively expanded, and protein abundance is regulated post-transcriptionally.
Conclusions:
- Photosynthetic eukaryotes contributed to the Euglena nuclear genome.
- Euglenids possess unique regulatory mechanisms for adaptability via gene expansion and acquisition.
- This work provides a foundation for understanding euglenid evolution and function.
Keywords:
Cellular evolutionEuglena gracilisExcavataGene architectureHorizontal gene transferPlastidSecondary endosymbiosisSplicingTranscriptomeMore Related Videos
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