Ancient Gene Transfer from Bacteria to Fungi
Author Information
Author(s): Imke Schmitt, H. Thorsten Lumbsch
Primary Institution: University of Minnesota, The Field Museum
Hypothesis
Did ancient horizontal gene transfer from bacteria enhance the biosynthetic capabilities of fungi?
Conclusion
The study suggests that an ancient horizontal gene transfer event from actinobacteria to ascomycete fungi contributed to the evolution of polyketide synthase genes.
Supporting Evidence
- The study generated 24 new polyketide synthase sequence fragments from lichen-forming fungi.
- Phylogenetic analysis confirmed that the fungal 6-MSAS-type clade is more closely related to bacterial than to other fungal PKSs.
- The presence of a spliceosomal intron in one sequence supports the hypothesis of horizontal gene transfer.
Takeaway
Scientists found that some fungi got special genes from bacteria a long time ago, which help them make important chemicals.
Methodology
Comparative phylogenetics was used to analyze polyketide synthase genes from fungi and their bacterial relatives.
Potential Biases
Potential biases in sampling and sequence alignment could affect the phylogenetic conclusions.
Limitations
The study relies on available genomic data, which may not represent all fungal species.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website