scholarly journals Genome expansion in early eukaryotes drove the transition from lateral gene transfer to meiotic sex

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Colnaghi ◽  
Nick Lane ◽  
Andrew Pomiankowski
Keyword(s):  
Gene Transfer ◽  
Genome Size ◽  
Lateral Gene Transfer ◽  
Genetic Material ◽  
Theoretical Models ◽  
Deleterious Mutations ◽  
Strong Constraint ◽  
Muller's Ratchet ◽  
Muller’S Ratchet ◽  
Recombination Length

ABSTRACTProkaryotes generally reproduce clonally but can also acquire new genetic material via lateral gene transfer (LGT). Like sex, LGT can prevent the accumulation of deleterious mutations predicted by Muller’s ratchet for asexual populations. This similarity between sex and LGT raises the question why did eukaryotes abandon LGT in favor of sexual reproduction? Understanding the limitations of LGT provides insight into this evolutionary transition. We model the evolution of a haploid population undergoing LGT at a rate λ and subjected to a mutation rate μ. We take into account recombination length, L, and genome size, g, neglected by previous theoretical models. We confirm that LGT counters Muller’s ratchet by reducing the rate of fixation of deleterious mutations in small genomes. We then demonstrate that this beneficial effect declines rapidly with genome size. Populations with larger genomes are subjected to a faster rate of fixation of deleterious mutations and become more vulnerable to stochastic frequency fluctuations. Muller’s ratchet therefore generates a strong constraint on genome size. Importantly, we show that the degeneration of larger genomes can be resisted by increases in the recombination length, the average number of contiguous genes drawn from the environment for LGT. Large increases in genome size, as in early eukaryotes, are only possible as L reaches the same order of magnitude as g. This requirement for recombination across the whole genome can explain the strong selective pressure towards the evolution of sexual cell fusion and reciprocal recombination during early eukaryotic evolution – the origin of meiotic sex.

scholarly journals Genome expansion in early eukaryotes drove the transition from lateral gene transfer to meiotic sex

eLife ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Colnaghi ◽  
Nick Lane ◽  
Andrew Pomiankowski
Keyword(s):  
Gene Transfer ◽  
Genome Size ◽  
Lateral Gene Transfer ◽  
Selective Pressure ◽  
Environmental Dna ◽  
Theoretical Models ◽  
Deleterious Mutations ◽  
Eukaryotic Evolution ◽  
Haploid Population ◽  
Recombination Length

Prokaryotes acquire genes from the environment via lateral gene transfer (LGT). Recombination of environmental DNA can prevent the accumulation of deleterious mutations, but LGT was abandoned by the first eukaryotes in favour of sexual reproduction. Here we develop a theoretical model of a haploid population undergoing LGT which includes two new parameters, genome size and recombination length, neglected by previous theoretical models. The greater complexity of eukaryotes is linked with larger genomes and we demonstrate that the benefit of LGT declines rapidly with genome size. The degeneration of larger genomes can only be resisted by increases in recombination length, to the same order as genome size – as occurs in meiosis. Our results can explain the strong selective pressure towards the evolution of sexual cell fusion and reciprocal recombination during early eukaryotic evolution – the origin of meiotic sex.

scholarly journals Effect of the environment on horizontal gene transfer between bacteria and archaea

PeerJ ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. e3865 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clara A. Fuchsman ◽  
Roy Eric Collins ◽  
Gabrielle Rocap ◽  
William J. Brazelton
Keyword(s):  
High Temperature ◽  
Gene Transfer ◽  
Horizontal Gene Transfer ◽  
Genome Size ◽  
Thermophilic Bacteria ◽  
Genetic Material ◽  
Strongly Correlated ◽  
Temperature Conditions ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
Reciprocal Blast

BackgroundHorizontal gene transfer, the transfer and incorporation of genetic material between different species of organisms, has an important but poorly quantified role in the adaptation of microbes to their environment. Previous work has shown that genome size and the number of horizontally transferred genes are strongly correlated. Here we consider how genome size confuses the quantification of horizontal gene transfer because the number of genes an organism accumulates over time depends on its evolutionary history and ecological context (e.g., the nutrient regime for which it is adapted).ResultsWe investigated horizontal gene transfer between archaea and bacteria by first counting reciprocal BLAST hits among 448 bacterial and 57 archaeal genomes to find shared genes. Then we used the DarkHorse algorithm, a probability-based, lineage-weighted method (Podell & Gaasterland, 2007), to identify potential horizontally transferred genes among these shared genes. By removing the effect of genome size in the bacteria, we have identified bacteria with unusually large numbers of shared genes with archaea for their genome size. Interestingly, archaea and bacteria that live in anaerobic and/or high temperature conditions are more likely to share unusually large numbers of genes. However, high salt was not found to significantly affect the numbers of shared genes. Numbers of shared (genome size-corrected, reciprocal BLAST hits) and transferred genes (identified by DarkHorse) were strongly correlated. Thus archaea and bacteria that live in anaerobic and/or high temperature conditions are more likely to share horizontally transferred genes. These horizontally transferred genes are over-represented by genes involved in energy conversion as well as the transport and metabolism of inorganic ions and amino acids.ConclusionsAnaerobic and thermophilic bacteria share unusually large numbers of genes with archaea. This is mainly due to horizontal gene transfer of genes from the archaea to the bacteria.In general, these transfers are from archaea that live in similar oxygen and temperature conditions as the bacteria that receive the genes. Potential hotspots of horizontal gene transfer between archaea and bacteria include hot springs, marine sediments, and oil wells. Cold spots for horizontal transfer included dilute, aerobic, mesophilic environments such as marine and freshwater surface waters.

scholarly journals Genetic exchange and the origin of adaptations: prokaryotes to primates

2008 ◽  
Vol 363 (1505) ◽  
pp. 2813-2820 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael L Arnold ◽  
Yuval Sapir ◽  
Noland H Martin
Keyword(s):  
Gene Transfer ◽  
Adaptive Evolution ◽  
Lateral Gene Transfer ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Genetic Material ◽  
Introgressive Hybridization ◽  
Genetic Exchange ◽  
Viral Recombination ◽  
Adaptive Trait

Data supporting the occurrence of adaptive trait transfer (i.e. the transfer of genes and thus the phenotype of an adaptive trait through viral recombination, lateral gene transfer or introgressive hybridization) are provided in this review. Specifically, we discuss examples of lateral gene transfer and introgressive hybridization that have resulted in the transfer or de novo origin of adaptations. The evolutionary clades in which this process has been identified include all types of organisms. However, we restrict our discussion to bacteria, fungi, plants and animals. Each of these examples reflects the same consequence, namely that the transfer of genetic material, through whatever mechanism, may result in adaptive evolution. In particular, each of the events discussed has been inferred to impact adaptations to novel environmental settings in the recipient lineage.

scholarly journals MECHANISMS OF RESISTANCE TRANSFER IN BACTERIA

2010 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 85-92 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maja Velhner ◽  
Jelena Petrović ◽  
Igor Stojanov ◽  
Radomir Ratajac ◽  
Dragica Stojanović
Keyword(s):  
Gene Transfer ◽  
Lateral Gene Transfer ◽  
Genomic Structure ◽  
Genetic Material ◽  
Mobile Genetic Elements ◽  
Mechanisms Of Resistance ◽  
Genetic Elements ◽  
Resistance Transfer ◽  
The Future ◽  
Microbial Infections

Wide application of antimicorbial agents forces bacteria to utilize specific genes and rearrange genomic structure in order to survive in the environment. In this article lateral gene transfer, mobile genetic elements, plasmid mediated resistance and spontaneous mutators in bacteria are briefly described. This resourceful means, by which microorganisms manage to communicate and transfer genetic material in their own kingdom, raises concerns about the possibility to keep microbial infections under control in the future.

scholarly journals Genetic Hitchhiking and the Evolution of Reduced Genetic Activity of the Y Sex Chromosome

Genetics ◽  
1987 ◽  
Vol 116 (1) ◽  
pp. 161-167
Author(s):  
William R Rice
Keyword(s):  
Y Chromosome ◽  
Alternative Model ◽  
Sex Chromosome ◽  
Deleterious Mutations ◽  
Genetic Hitchhiking ◽  
New Model ◽  
Muller's Ratchet ◽  
Genetic Activity ◽  
Muller’S Ratchet ◽  
Selection For

ABSTRACT A new model for the evolution of reduced genetic activity of the Y sex chromosome is described. The model is based on the process of genetic hitchhiking. It is shown that the Y chromosome can gradually lose its genetic activity due to the fixation of deleterious mutations that are linked with other beneficial genes. Fixation of deleterious Y-linked mutations generates locus-specific selection for dosage tolerance and/or compensation. The hitchhiking effect is most pronounced when operating in combination with an alternative model, Muller's ratchet. It is shown, however, that the genetic hitchhiking mechanism can operate under conditions where Muller's ratchet is ineffective.

scholarly journals Muller’s Ratchet in Asexual Populations Doomed to Extinction

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Logan Chipkin ◽  
Peter Olofsson ◽  
Ryan C. Daileda ◽  
Ricardo B. R. Azevedo
Keyword(s):  
Process Model ◽  
Population Decline ◽  
Extinction Time ◽  
Deleterious Mutations ◽  
Multitype Branching Process ◽  
Muller's Ratchet ◽  
Constant Size ◽  
Muller’S Ratchet ◽  
Asexual Populations ◽  
Mutational Meltdown

AbstractAsexual populations are expected to accumulate deleterious mutations through a process known as Muller’s Ratchet. Lynch, Gabriel, and colleagues have proposed that the Ratchet eventually results in a vicious cycle of mutation accumulation and population decline that drives populations to extinction. They called this phenomenon mutational meltdown. Here, we analyze the meltdown using a multitype branching process model where, in the presence of mutation, populations are doomed to extinction. We find that extinction occurs more quickly in small populations, experiencing a high deleterious mutation rate, and mutations with more severe deleterious effects. The effects of mutational parameters on extinction time in doomed populations differ from those on the severity of Muller’s Ratchet in populations of constant size. We also 1nd that mutational meltdown, although it does occur in our model, does not determine extinction time. Rather, extinction time is determined by the expected impact of deleterious mutations on fitness.

scholarly journals Integrating ecology and evolution to study hypothetical dynamics of algal blooms and Muller’s ratchet using Evolvix

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Northey ◽  
Courtney Hove ◽  
Justine Kao ◽  
Jon Ide ◽  
Janel McKinney ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dna Repair ◽  
Nutrient Availability ◽  
Continuous Time ◽  
Algal Blooms ◽  
Predation Pressure ◽  
Mutation Rates ◽  
Deleterious Mutations ◽  
Muller's Ratchet ◽  
Slightly Deleterious Mutations ◽  
Muller’S Ratchet

Algal blooms have been the subject of considerable research as they occur over various spatial and temporal scales and can produce toxins that disrupt their ecosystem. Algal blooms are often governed by nutrient availability however other limitations exist. Algae are primary producers and therefore subject to predation which can keep populations below levels supported by nutrient availability. If algae as prey mutate to gain the ability to produce toxins deterring predators, they may increase their survival rates and form blooms unless other factors counter their effective increase in growth rate. Where might such mutations come from? Clearly, large populations of algae will repeatedly experience mutations knocking-out DNA repair genes, increasing mutation rates, and with them the chance of acquiring de-novo mutations producing a toxin against predators. We investigate this hypothetical scenario by simulation in the Evolvix modeling language. We modeled a sequence of steps that in principle can allow a typical asexual algal population to escape predation pressure and form a bloom with the help of mutators. We then turn our attention to the unavoidable side effect of generally increased mutation rates, many slightly deleterious mutations. If these accumulate at sufficient speed, their combined impact on fitness might place upper limits on the duration of algal blooms. These steps are required: (1) Random mutations result in the loss of DNA repair mechanisms. (2) Increased mutation rates make it more likely to acquire the ability to produce toxins by altering metabolism. (3) Toxins deter predators providing algae with growth advantages that can mask linked slightly deleterious mutational effects. (4) Reduced predation pressure enables blooms if algae have sufficient nutrients. (5) Lack of recombination results in the accumulation of slightly deleterious mutations as predicted by Muller’s ratchet. (6) If fast enough, deleterious mutation accumulation eventually leads to mutational meltdown of toxic blooming algae. (7) Non-mutator algal populations are not affected due to ongoing predation pressure. Our simulation models integrate ecological continuous-time dynamics of predator-prey systems with the population genetics of a simplified Muller’s ratchet model using Evolvix. Evolvix maps these models to Continuous-Time Markov Chain models that can be simulated deterministically or stochastically depending on the question. The current model is incomplete; we plan to investigate many parameter combinations to produce a more robust model ensemble with stable links to reasonable parameter estimates. However, our model already has several intriguing features that may allow for the eventual development of observation methods for monitoring ecosystem health. Our work also highlights a growing need to simulate integrated models combining ecological processes, multi-level population dynamics, and evolutionary genetics in a single computational run.

scholarly journals Integrating ecology and evolution to study hypothetical dynamics of algal blooms and Muller’s ratchet using Evolvix

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Northey ◽  
Courtney Hove ◽  
Justine Kao ◽  
Jon Ide ◽  
Janel McKinney ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dna Repair ◽  
Nutrient Availability ◽  
Continuous Time ◽  
Algal Blooms ◽  
Predation Pressure ◽  
Mutation Rates ◽  
Deleterious Mutations ◽  
Muller's Ratchet ◽  
Slightly Deleterious Mutations ◽  
Muller’S Ratchet

Algal blooms have been the subject of considerable research as they occur over various spatial and temporal scales and can produce toxins that disrupt their ecosystem. Algal blooms are often governed by nutrient availability however other limitations exist. Algae are primary producers and therefore subject to predation which can keep populations below levels supported by nutrient availability. If algae as prey mutate to gain the ability to produce toxins deterring predators, they may increase their survival rates and form blooms unless other factors counter their effective increase in growth rate. Where might such mutations come from? Clearly, large populations of algae will repeatedly experience mutations knocking-out DNA repair genes, increasing mutation rates, and with them the chance of acquiring de-novo mutations producing a toxin against predators. We investigate this hypothetical scenario by simulation in the Evolvix modeling language. We modeled a sequence of steps that in principle can allow a typical asexual algal population to escape predation pressure and form a bloom with the help of mutators. We then turn our attention to the unavoidable side effect of generally increased mutation rates, many slightly deleterious mutations. If these accumulate at sufficient speed, their combined impact on fitness might place upper limits on the duration of algal blooms. These steps are required: (1) Random mutations result in the loss of DNA repair mechanisms. (2) Increased mutation rates make it more likely to acquire the ability to produce toxins by altering metabolism. (3) Toxins deter predators providing algae with growth advantages that can mask linked slightly deleterious mutational effects. (4) Reduced predation pressure enables blooms if algae have sufficient nutrients. (5) Lack of recombination results in the accumulation of slightly deleterious mutations as predicted by Muller’s ratchet. (6) If fast enough, deleterious mutation accumulation eventually leads to mutational meltdown of toxic blooming algae. (7) Non-mutator algal populations are not affected due to ongoing predation pressure. Our simulation models integrate ecological continuous-time dynamics of predator-prey systems with the population genetics of a simplified Muller’s ratchet model using Evolvix. Evolvix maps these models to Continuous-Time Markov Chain models that can be simulated deterministically or stochastically depending on the question. The current model is incomplete; we plan to investigate many parameter combinations to produce a more robust model ensemble with stable links to reasonable parameter estimates. However, our model already has several intriguing features that may allow for the eventual development of observation methods for monitoring ecosystem health. Our work also highlights a growing need to simulate integrated models combining ecological processes, multi-level population dynamics, and evolutionary genetics in a single computational run.

scholarly journals Does Muller's ratchet work with selfing?

1978 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 289-293 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Heller ◽  
J. Maynard Smith
Keyword(s):  
Large Class ◽  
Deleterious Mutations ◽  
Asexual Population ◽  
Muller's Ratchet ◽  
Slightly Deleterious Mutations ◽  
Muller’S Ratchet

SUMMARYThe accumulation of deleterious mutations in a finite diploid selfing population is investigated. It is shown that the conditions for accumulation are very similar to those for the accumulation of mutations in an asexual population by ‘Muller's ratchet’. The ratchet is likely to operate in both types of population if there is a large class of slightly deleterious mutations.

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