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Horizontal Gene Transfer: From Evolutionary Flexibility to Disease Progression.
Melissa Emamalipour1, Khaled Seidi2, Sepideh Zununi Vahed3
1Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology
|June 9, 2020
Summary
Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) facilitates biodiversity and innovation but also contributes to diseases like cancer. Understanding HGT mechanisms is key to developing new therapies and diagnostics.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Genetic material exchange occurs between organisms, influencing host performance.
- Horizontal gene transfer (HGT), also known as lateral gene transfer (LGT), drives biodiversity and biological innovation.
- HGT has significant implications for both beneficial adaptations and adverse health outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the diverse mechanisms of HGT.
- To explore the dual role of HGT in beneficial traits and pathological conditions.
- To highlight the importance of understanding HGT for therapeutic and diagnostic advancements.
Main Methods:
- Review of HGT mechanisms across prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
- Discussion of HGT's role in host genetics, physiology, and ecology.
- Analysis of HGT's involvement in human diseases and therapeutic outcomes.
Main Results:
- HGT mechanisms include extracellular vesicles, nanotubes, cell-free DNA, and apoptotic bodies.
- HGT contributes to beneficial features and the development/recurrence of diseases like cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.
- HGT can negatively impact gene/cell therapy by promoting resistance or disrupting genome editing.
Conclusions:
- A comprehensive understanding of HGT mediators and their effects is crucial.
- Knowledge of HGT can lead to improved therapeutic strategies and diagnostic tools.
- Further research into HGT mechanisms will advance personalized medicine and disease management.
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