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Updated: Jun 9, 2026
06:56
Detection of Horizontal Gene Transfer Mediated by Natural Conjugative Plasmids in E. coli
Published on: March 24, 2023
Horizontal gene transfer is widespread in diverse eukaryotes.
Kun Li1, Fazhe Yan1, Ziyao Feng1
1School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China.
BMC Genomics
|June 7, 2026
Summary
Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is now found to be common in eukaryotes. This genetic exchange mechanism significantly impacts eukaryotic genome evolution, challenging previous assumptions about its rarity.
Area of Science:
- Genomics
- Evolutionary Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is a major driver of genetic exchange in prokaryotes.
- Eukaryotic HGT was previously thought to be rare and limited to specific lineages.
Purpose of the Study:
- To perform a genome-wide identification of HGT regions in diverse eukaryotic species.
- To assess the prevalence and impact of HGT on eukaryotic genome evolution.
Main Methods:
- Comparative genomics analysis of 10 eukaryotic genomes against extensive bacterial and viral databases.
- Third-generation sequencing and targeted PCR for validation of identified HGT regions and exclusion of contamination.
Main Results:
- Identified 10 to 237 non-redundant HGT regions per species across all 10 analyzed eukaryotes.
- Genes acquired via HGT are significantly enriched in transmembrane transport functions.
- Observed extensive duplication of HGT regions within host genomes, influencing numerous genes.
Conclusions:
- HGT is a ubiquitous phenomenon in the analyzed eukaryotes, not restricted to rare events.
- HGT is a significant and previously underestimated contributor to eukaryotic genome evolution.
- The findings necessitate a re-evaluation of HGT's role in eukaryotic diversification.
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