Lateral gene transfers and the origins of the eukaryote proteome: a view from microbial parasites

Abstract

HighlightsProkaryotic LGT to microbial parasites is a dynamic and on-going process.Identified LGTs are mainly involved in metabolic pathways.Both LGT and EGT of prokaryotic origins are contributing genes to eukaryotic genomes.Integrating different methodologies is needed to truly recognise the extent of LGT affecting eukaryotes.

Horizontal gene transfer: building the web of life

“…Although still fragmented, the available data indicate that HGT is widespread in all major eukaryotic groups and has been ongoing throughout evolutionary time 7,8,65 . As stated above, the sequestration of genetic material to the nucleus requires distinct mechanisms for HGT in eukaryotes.…”

Bulky Trichomonad Genomes: Encoding a Swiss Army Knife

“…Class II fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase enzymes are also found in other protozoa such as G. lamblia and Entamoeba spp., and were probably acquired by an ancestral protozoan via an ancient lateral gene transfer event [49]. Laterally transferred genes encode for 2% of the E. histolytica proteome; an estimated 199 genes [50]. In T. vaginalis, laterally transferred genes make up 0.24% of the proteome; an estimated 149 genes [50].…”

“…Laterally transferred genes encode for 2% of the E. histolytica proteome; an estimated 199 genes [50]. In T. vaginalis, laterally transferred genes make up 0.24% of the proteome; an estimated 149 genes [50]. However, these estimates are much larger if the genes that encode BspA Histomonas meleagridis [14] Tritrichomonas foetus, bovine isolate [16] Glucose-6-phosphate isomerase TVAG_267870, TVAG_320780, TVAG_133920, TVAG_238830, TVAG_171100, TVAG_239990, TVAG_387970, TVAG_009420, TVAG_196240, TVAG_412220, TVAG_371320, TVAG_193000, TVAG_009460, TVAG_354940, TVAG_455680, TVAG_340290, TVAG_491670, TVAG_204360, TVAG_253650, TVAG_416100, TVAG_196230, TVAG_068130, TVAG_495880, TVAG_381310, TVAG_241160, TVAG_171090, TVAG_362930, TVAG_165030, TVAG_183790, pieces of DNA; a recent event involved the transfer of a 34-kb fragment of DNA from a firmicute bacterium to an ancestor of T. vaginalis [51].…”

Neglected Tropical Diseases in the Post-Genomic Era

“…Although this phenomenon is frequent in prokaryotes, it was thought to be rare among eukaryotes with sexual reproduction [94]. However, HGT into the genomes of nematodes is found at a much greater frequency than in other metazoans [19].…”

“…However, HGT into the genomes of nematodes is found at a much greater frequency than in other metazoans [19]. These transferred DNA sequences were acquired primarily from bacteria (particularly the endosymbiont Wolbachia), but also from fungi and amoebozoa, and may have contributed to the phenotypic plasticity and evolution of nematodes [94]. The possibility of HGT from different bacteria (i.e., Chlamydiae, Salmonella, and Shigella) to the Trypanosoma/Leishmania group has also been hypothesized based on genome-wide comparisons [95,96].…”