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On the origin of the nucleus: a hypothesis
Buzz Baum1, Anja Spang2,3,2
1MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
Microbiology and Molecular Biology Reviews : MMBR
|November 29, 2023
Summary
This hypothesis explores the eukaryotic nucleus origin, proposing an archaeal model. It integrates cell biology and phylogenetic data from archaeal relatives, suggesting a common compartment for nucleoplasm and cytoplasm.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Genomics
Background:
- The eukaryotic nucleus is a defining cellular feature with crucial functions.
- Understanding its origin is key to eukaryotic cell evolution.
- Recent research highlights archaeal and bacterial contributions to eukaryotic cell development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the origin of the eukaryotic nucleus.
- To propose a testable model for nuclear evolution.
- To integrate phylogenetic and experimental data.
Main Methods:
- Re-evaluation of the eukaryotic nucleus and its functions.
- Analysis of phylogenetic and experimental data on eukaryotic cell evolution.
- Review of cell biology in TACK and Asgardarchaeaota.
Main Results:
- Many eukaryotic nuclear functions have archaeal counterparts.
- TACK and Asgardarchaeaota are the closest archaeal relatives to eukaryotes.
- A model for the archaeal origin of the nucleus is proposed.
Conclusions:
- The eukaryotic nucleus likely originated from archaeal ancestors.
- The proposed model explains current data and offers testable predictions.
- Viewing nucleoplasm and cytoplasm as distinct regions of a common compartment is useful.
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