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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 9, 2026

Embryo Microinjection and Electroporation in the Chordate Ciona intestinalis

Embryo Microinjection and Electroporation in the Chordate Ciona intestinalis

Published on: October 16, 2016

Unique tunicate traits possibly encoded by horizontally transferred genes.

Natsuko Tamura¹, Izumi Oda-Ishii¹, Yutaka Satou¹

¹Department of Zoology, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University Sakyo, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan.

Genome Biology and Evolution

|July 8, 2026

Summary

Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is rare in animals, but tunicates show unique traits due to foreign genes. This study found eight candidate genes in tunicates likely acquired through HGT, impacting their evolution.

Keywords:

Ciona horizontal gene transfer tunicates

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Area of Science:

* Evolutionary Biology
* Genomics
* Molecular Biology

Background:

* Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is prevalent in prokaryotes but its role in metazoans is debated.
* Tunicates, a type of invertebrate chordate, possess a unique cellulose-containing tunic and exhibit HGT, exemplified by their cellulose synthase gene.
* Understanding HGT in animals is crucial for comprehending evolutionary adaptations.

Purpose of the Study:

* To investigate the evolutionary significance of HGT in animals.
* To identify candidate genes in tunicates acquired through HGT.
* To explore the potential adaptive roles of these horizontally transferred genes in tunicate evolution.

Main Methods:

* Genome-wide survey of a tunicate species.
* Identification of candidate genes acquired through HGT, excluding vertical transfer.
* Analysis of the functional roles of identified candidate genes.

Main Results:

* Eight distinct groups of candidate genes, unlikely to be vertically inherited, were identified in the tunicate genome.
* These candidate genes encode proteins potentially linked to unique tunicate physiological and structural characteristics.
* The findings suggest a significant contribution of foreign genetic material to tunicate adaptive traits.

Conclusions:

* Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) has played a role in the evolution of metazoans, specifically tunicates.
* The integration of foreign genes has likely facilitated the emergence of novel adaptive traits in tunicates.
* Further research into HGT in animals can illuminate evolutionary pathways and the development of unique biological features.