Impact of Horizontal Gene Transfer on E. coli Gene Networks
Author Information
Author(s): Davids Wagied, Zhang Zhaolei
Primary Institution: University of Toronto
Hypothesis
The cumulative effect of selection acting on different gene categories would leave footprints in their sequence and gene expression characteristics.
Conclusion
The study reveals that horizontally transferred genes evolve faster and have lower expression levels compared to core genes.
Supporting Evidence
- Core genes are the most highly expressed and slowly evolving.
- HGT genes are expressed at the lowest level and evolve at the highest rate.
- Core genes are more likely to be part of operons than HGT genes.
- HGT genes preferentially attach to Core genes in the protein interaction network.
Takeaway
Some bacteria can share genes with each other, and this study shows how those shared genes behave differently than the genes that are always found in a specific type of bacteria.
Methodology
The study classified E. coli genes into Core, Non-core, and HGT categories and analyzed their expression and evolutionary rates using microarray data and protein interaction networks.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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