Articles tagged with Horizontal Gene Transfer
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A team of microbiologists developed CRAGE to study and produce secondary metabolites, compounds produced by microbes for internal and external messaging. The technique allows scientists to access these compounds more readily than before, filling significant gaps in our understanding of microbial interactions.
Scientists identified over 11,000 families of grouped genes in genomes of different species, with a third being part of conserved clusters. The study found that natural selection favors gene organization, making it easier to regulate genes, and that horizontal transfer may be less common than previously thought.
Dodder parasitic plants have stolen over 100 functional genes from their host plants, contributing to their ability to latch onto and steal nutrients. The transferred genes also produce small segments of RNA that may act as weapons to silence host defense genes.
Researchers found evidence of gene sharing among human-associated bacteria, with 30% higher rates than natural occurrence. Gene transfer occurred between closely related organisms and across tissue boundaries, facilitating innovation at the microbe level.
Researchers found seven bacterial genes in yeast that enable iron-scavenging molecules production. The genes originated from bacteria and were transferred horizontally to yeast through a process called operon acquisition.
The pin mold fungus Phycomyces blakesleeanus uses a gene from bacteria to create large gravity-sensing crystals that help it grow upright. Genetic analysis reveals the role of horizontal gene transfer in acquiring this unique trait, providing insights into the evolution of adaptation.
Scientists have developed a new method to investigate the timing and co-evolution of microbial groups by analyzing horizontal gene transfer among ancient microbes. This breakthrough provides relative age constraints for several microbial groups without reliable fossil evidence, including the Archaea.
Researchers at IRB Barcelona have identified histidine as a crucial component in the machinery that enables Staphylococcus aureus bacteria to acquire and spread antibiotic resistance. This discovery could lead to the development of molecules to prevent the spread of resistant strains, offering new hope in tackling hospital infections.
Researchers identified regional hotspots for gene transfer and genomic 'islands' hosting exchanges across multiple bacterial species. The study sheds light on the role of horizontal gene transfer in competition for iron and its impact on microbial ecosystems.
A novel signaling system in S. pneumoniae strains may control gene expression and virulence in co-colonizing strains, according to a study published in PLOS Pathogens.
Researchers discovered that parasitic plants, such as broomrapes, can transfer genes from their host plants, making them more invasive and resistant. This horizontal gene transfer may lead to the development of resistant host plants to combat crop loss caused by these weeds.
Researchers have demonstrated that horizontal gene transfer may play a major role in compensating for genome reduction in endosymbionts. This process involves the acquisition of genes from neighboring bacteria through horizontal gene transfer, which fills gaps in organelle-localized biosynthetic pathways.
Researchers discovered that stick insects can produce microbial enzymes, including pectinases, which degrade plant cell walls. This 'horizontal gene transfer' occurred between 110 to 60 million years ago, allowing the insects to break free from their microbiome's digestive capabilities.
An international team led by IU biologist David M. Kehoe uncovered the regulation of a system that allows Synechococcus to efficiently capture sunlight and perform photosynthesis. The study also provides insight into how genes can be easily transferred between cells in the marine environment through horizontal gene transfer.
Researchers have successfully mapped the genome of the common bed bug, identifying 805 possible instances of genes transferred from bacteria. The findings suggest that these genes, such as a patatin-like gene, could become effective targets for pest control.
Researchers have identified crucial metabolic genes that enable cheese-making fungi to thrive on cheese, while also raising concerns about food safety. The study provides insights into the evolutionary history of these fungi and their ability to adapt to domesticated environments.
Researchers at Ghent University discovered that sweet potatoes contain genes from the bacterium Agrobacterium, which were likely introduced through horizontal gene transfer. The findings suggest that genetic modification also occurs in nature, and could have implications for our understanding of plant evolution.
Research published in Genome Biology found that humans and other animals have acquired 'foreign' genes from microorganisms, suggesting ongoing gene transfer. The study identified 17 previously-reported genes and 128 additional foreign genes in the human genome, related to metabolism, immune responses, and more.
The cholera bacterium uses a tiny spear to stab and kill neighboring bacteria, then steals their DNA through horizontal gene transfer. This mechanism allows the bacterium to become more resistant to threats, including antibiotics.
Scientists at Max Planck Institute have successfully generated new plant species through grafting, allowing for the transfer of entire genetic material between two species. The resulting plants exhibit improved growth rates and increased fitness compared to their parent species.
Ferns acquired a gene called neochrome from hornworts, allowing them to thrive in shaded environments. The transfer of this gene helped ferns diversify and flourish under the new canopy, outcompeting flowering plants.
Researchers discovered a three-way symbiosis involving six different organisms, including the smallest known genome, and found evidence of horizontal gene transfer between bacteria and their hosts. This study sheds light on fundamental questions of life's origin and the role of symbiotic relationships in shaping organismal complexity.
Researchers at Michigan State University have made a groundbreaking discovery about the survival mechanisms of primitive red algae. The algae's ability to thrive in hot and acidic environments lies in part in their membrane proteins, which are also found in human cells and hold promise for treating diseases.
Researchers found that parasitic plant Rafflesia cantleyi has 'stolen' genes from its host Tetrastigma rafflesiae, including those related to respiration and metabolism. This horizontal gene transfer has replaced the parasite's own gene activity in three-quarters of the cases.
Researchers found that parasitic flowers share large parts of their genome with host vines through horizontal gene transfer, and some borrowed genes are likely functional. The process may convey an evolutionary advantage to the flowers, which have replaced vertically inherited copies.
A team of researchers at Vanderbilt University has discovered a large cluster of genes that appeared to jump directly from one fungus species to another, significantly strengthening the argument for a mosaic theory of evolution. The finding was made possible by comparing the genomes of nearly 100 species of fungi.
A team of scientists at MIT has deciphered 3 billion-year-old genomic fossils using modern-day genomes. The study reveals that the collective genome of all life underwent an expansion between 3.3 and 2.8 billion years ago, resulting in 27% new gene families.
Research published in BMC Biology reveals that aphids acquired symbiotic genes from another species of bacteria via lateral gene transfer. The association between aphids and Buchnera is over 100 million years old and has evolved so that neither the bacteria nor the host can reproduce without the other.
Bdelloid rotifers acquire genes from bacteria, fungi, and plants through environmental DNA incorporation. This process may contribute to their speciation and adaptability.
A study by Deem and Jun Sun found that genetic information becomes increasingly modular when exposed to a changing environment and horizontal gene transfer. This modularity arises spontaneously due to selective pressure, resulting in complex biological structures.
Tiny green algae, known as picophytoplankton, play a significant share of the world’s total photosynthetic activity. Their genome structure and metabolic capabilities have been studied, revealing adaptations to different ecological niches.
Researchers found that more than half of primitive organisms have acquired genes through horizontal gene transfer, while only a few eukaryotes have done so. Two species of bacteria were also found to share large groups of genes, allowing them to adapt to their environment more quickly.
Researchers discovered a unique toxin shared by spider venom and certain bacteria, suggesting lateral gene transfer between the two. The study's findings may lead to developing treatments for brown recluse bites and corynebacterial toxins.
Researchers mapped how genes are shared between bacteria through lateral genetic transfer, a process where genes are transferred between unrelated organisms. The study reveals that this phenomenon is widespread and can occur even between distantly related organisms, contributing to the rapid spread of disease-causing bacteria.
A new map of microbial evolution reveals that more than 600,000 genes have been transferred horizontally among species over billions of years. This finding challenges the traditional tree-like representation of evolutionary relationships and highlights the importance of horizontal gene transfer in shaping microbial communities.
Researchers have developed a new map of life on Earth, which could be used to identify the potential for life on Mars. The map was created by tracing the evolutionary history of microorganisms using genetic sequencing data and shows that ancient microbes inhabited specific habitats, including hydrothermal systems.
Indiana University researchers found that genes can move from plant parasites to host plants, establishing parasitism as a medium for horizontal gene transfer. The discovery complements previous findings showing the opposite process, and suggests that plant parasitism has been a key mechanism of gene exchange between species.
A new study suggests that horizontal gene transfer occurs in flowering plants for thousands of ordinary genes, contradicting the traditional view that eukaryotes acquire genes only through vertical transmission. The research found anomalous genetic material in mitochondrial DNA chromosomes across different species.
A new cellular evolution theory challenges Darwinian assumptions by emphasizing horizontal gene transfer as the driving force behind cellular life's evolution. This process allowed for the acquisition of alien cellular components, including genes and proteins, to promote evolutionary change.
A newly completed genomic sequence of E. coli O157:H7 reveals how these bacteria are armed with a wide range of genes that trigger illness. The study found large-scale genetic changes, including the ability for viruses to introduce virulent genes, making it harder to control public health threats.