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High-throughput Screening for Protein-based Inheritance in S. cerevisiae

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Prions: Roles in Development and Adaptive Evolution.

Jamie D Dixson¹, Rajeev K Azad^2,3

¹Department of Biological Sciences and BioDiscovery Institute, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, 76203, USA.

Journal of Molecular Evolution

|May 11, 2020

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Prions, initially known for disease, are now understood as a vital source of biological diversity. Their ability to alter protein shapes offers a new mechanism for adaptation and inheritance beyond DNA.

Keywords:

Evo-devo Horizontal evolution Mad cow Prion Protein based inheritance Scrapie

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Protein Misfolding Cyclic Amplification of Prions

Protein Misfolding Cyclic Amplification of Prions

Published on: November 7, 2012

Area of Science:

Molecular Biology
Evolutionary Biology
Proteomics

Background:

Prions were historically viewed solely as disease-causing agents.
This perspective overlooked their potential role in biological diversity.

Purpose of the Study:

To re-evaluate the role of prions beyond disease.
To explore prions as a source of molecular-encoded phenotypic diversity.
To investigate the evolutionary significance of prion functions and transmission.

Main Methods:

Review of existing literature on known prions.
Analysis of prion functions and transmission modes.
Examination of prion stability and heritability.

Main Results:

Prions represent a significant paradigm shift in understanding phenotypic diversity.
Prion conformations can supplement genetic diversity from DNA mutations.
Prion functions and transmission are linked to evolutionary adaptation.
Heritable prion-based adaptation is a demonstrated reality.

Conclusions:

Prions are crucial for biological diversity and adaptation.
Their role extends far beyond disease causation.
Prions offer a non-genetic mechanism for heritable traits.