Research reveals that tiny creatures utilize ‚borrowed‘ genes from bacteria to defend against infections – Phys.org

A recent study published in the journal Cell Reports has shed light on a fascinating phenomenon in the world of biology – small animals using ’stolen‘ genes from bacteria to protect themselves against infections. This discovery has opened up a new avenue of research into the intricate ways in which different species adapt and evolve to survive in their environments.

The study, conducted by a team of researchers from the University of California, Berkeley, focused on a group of tiny animals known as bdelloid rotifers. These microscopic creatures are found in freshwater environments around the world and are known for their ability to survive extreme conditions, such as desiccation and high levels of radiation. Despite lacking a conventional immune system like mammals, birds, and other larger animals, bdelloid rotifers have managed to thrive in their environments by acquiring genes from bacteria that help them fight off infections.

One of the key findings of the study was that bdelloid rotifers have incorporated genes from a wide range of bacteria into their own genomes. These ’stolen‘ genes encode for proteins that play a crucial role in the animals‘ defense against pathogens. By acquiring these genes, bdelloid rotifers have gained the ability to produce antimicrobial peptides that can kill harmful bacteria and fungi, thereby protecting themselves from infections.

The researchers also discovered that the genes acquired by bdelloid rotifers are highly diverse and have been independently acquired by different species of the animals. This suggests that the process of gene transfer from bacteria to animals has occurred multiple times throughout the evolutionary history of bdelloid rotifers, highlighting the importance of this mechanism in their survival and adaptation.

Furthermore, the study found that the genes acquired from bacteria are actively expressed in the cells of bdelloid rotifers, indicating that they play a functional role in the animals‘ immune response. This discovery challenges the traditional view of immunity as a system that is solely based on the recognition of pathogens by the host organism, and highlights the importance of horizontal gene transfer in shaping the immune defenses of small animals.

Overall, the study provides valuable insights into the complex interactions between different species in the natural world and highlights the remarkable ways in which organisms have evolved to survive and thrive in their environments. By uncovering the role of ’stolen‘ genes from bacteria in the immune defenses of bdelloid rotifers, researchers have opened up new possibilities for understanding the mechanisms of evolution and adaptation in small animals. This groundbreaking research paves the way for future studies that will further explore the fascinating world of genetic exchange between different species and its implications for the diversity of life on Earth.