Selection for Molecularly Complementary Modules (MCMs) Drives the Origins and Evolution of Pleiofunctional, Epistatic...

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Systems Biology
• Evolutionary Biology

Background:

• The random assembly of genes, proteins, and molecules poses challenges for the emergence of functional cellular networks.
• Understanding the origin and selection principles for stable and functional interactomes is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a hypothesis for the origin and evolution of cellular interactomes.
• To explain how stability and functionality are selected in biological networks.
• To introduce the concept of molecularly complementary modules (MCMs) as a driving force in evolution.

Main Methods:

• Hypothetical framework based on molecular complementarity and selection.
• Analysis of evolutionary pathways through "molecular paleontology".
• Case studies illustrating the proposed mechanism.

Main Results:

• Interactomes originate from stable MCMs that exhibit emergent properties when combined.
• Evolutionary systems display characteristics of pleiofunctional, epistatic interactomes (PEIs).
• The proposed mechanism explains the historical incorporation of modules into biological systems.

Conclusions:

• The MCM mechanism provides a framework for understanding the evolution of PEIs.
• Case studies on the glutathione-ascorbate system and ribosome evolution support the hypothesis.
• This model sheds light on the prebiotic emergence and early evolution of cellular life.