Research reveals that small animals utilize genes obtained from bacteria to defend against infections

Bdelloid rotifers, tiny freshwater animals that are smaller than a hair’s breadth, have been found to protect themselves from infections by using antibiotic recipes „stolen“ from bacteria. A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Oxford, the University of Stirling, and the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) in Woods Hole revealed that when these rotifers are exposed to fungal infections, they activate hundreds of genes acquired from bacteria and other microbes. Some of these genes produce resistance weapons, such as antibiotics and other antimicrobial agents, within the rotifers.

Lead study author Chris Wilson of the University of Oxford expressed surprise at the discovery of genes in the rotifers that encode chemicals resembling antibiotics. This finding suggests that these small creatures have been incorporating DNA from their surroundings for millions of years and are now utilizing these genes to combat diseases. The ability of rotifers to „steal“ genes from microbes on such a large scale is unique among animals.

The study also highlights the potential of rotifers in providing insights for the development of new drugs to treat human infections caused by bacteria or fungi. With antibiotic resistance becoming a growing concern, the discovery of rotifers producing novel antimicrobials from genes acquired from bacteria presents a promising avenue for future medicines. These genes encode enzymes that assemble amino acids into small molecules called non-ribosomal peptides, which could offer safer alternatives to existing antibiotics.

One intriguing aspect of rotifers is their unusual reproductive strategy. Unlike other animals, rotifers do not have males and reproduce by laying eggs that hatch into genetic copies of themselves. This lack of genetic diversity can make them vulnerable to diseases, prompting them to acquire foreign genes that help them cope with infections. The study suggests that the high rate of gene acquisition in rotifers may be linked to their asexual reproduction and the need to adapt to changing environments.

The researchers emphasize the importance of further exploring the genes acquired by rotifers and understanding how they contribute to their self-defense mechanisms. By studying the unique genetic makeup of rotifers and the potential of their antibiotic recipes, scientists hope to uncover new avenues for drug development and combatting antibiotic resistance.

In conclusion, the study sheds light on the fascinating adaptation of bdelloid rotifers to protect themselves from infections by utilizing genes borrowed from bacteria. Their ability to produce antimicrobial agents and antibiotics offers valuable insights for the development of novel drugs and highlights the intricate interplay between different forms of life in the natural world. The findings open up new possibilities for harnessing the genetic diversity of rotifers to address the pressing need for effective treatments against infectious diseases.