Integrated Symbiotic Pleiotropy: Long Non-Coding RNAs and Disordered Proteins Interweaving the Functional Layers of...

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Genomics

Background:

• Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and RNA-protein complexes (RNPs) are crucial regulators in eukaryotes.
• Eukaryotic complexity may arise from integrating ancient mechanisms with symbiotic innovations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a framework explaining eukaryotic diversity through multi-level symbiosis.
• To highlight the roles of lncRNAs and intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) in mediating these processes.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on RNA biology, symbiosis, and evolution.
• Conceptual framework development based on interconnected symbiotic levels.
• Analysis of lncRNAs and IDPs as key molecular mediators.

Main Results:

• Four interconnected levels of symbiosis (molecular, genome, intracellular, intercellular) contribute to eukaryotic complexity.
• lncRNAs and IDPs act as versatile mediators within phase-separated condensates.
• The concept of integrated symbiotic pleiotropy is introduced.

Conclusions:

• Eukaryotic evolution is characterized by layered functional roles acquired through successive symbiotic events.
• This paradigm integrates information layering, functional moonlighting, and exaptation.
• Symbiotic pleiotropy provides a coherent trajectory for understanding eukaryotic diversification.