How Ancestral Genes Affect New Traits from Acquired Genes
Author Information
Author(s): Chen H. Deborah, Jewett Mollie W., Groisman Eduardo A.
Primary Institution: Washington University School of Medicine
Hypothesis
Can ancestral genes control the functionality of horizontally acquired genes in bacteria?
Conclusion
The study shows that differences in ancestral proteins can dictate how horizontally acquired genes confer traits in different bacterial species.
Supporting Evidence
- The E. coli PmrD protein can activate the PmrA/PmrB system in Salmonella but not in E. coli.
- Quantitative differences in the biochemical activities of PmrB proteins dictate the functionality of PmrD.
- Replacement of the E. coli pmrB gene with the Salmonella homolog conferred polymyxin B resistance.
Takeaway
Some bacteria can gain new abilities from genes they pick up from other bacteria, but sometimes the old genes they already have can change how those new genes work.
Methodology
The researchers compared the effects of the pmrD gene in Salmonella and E. coli, focusing on how it interacts with the PmrA/PmrB system under different conditions.
Limitations
The study primarily focuses on two bacterial species, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website