Small animals inherit genes from bacteria through horizontal gene transfer

The fascinating world of bdelloid rotifers has recently revealed a groundbreaking discovery in the realm of self-defense against infections. These tiny freshwater animals have been found to possess a unique ability to protect themselves from fungal infections by utilizing antibiotic recipes that they have acquired from bacteria and other microbes. This revelation comes from a collaborative research effort by scientists from the University of Oxford, the University of Stirling, and the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) in Woods Hole.

Bdelloid rotifers, also known as ‚crawling wheel-animals,‘ are minuscule creatures with a head, mouth, gut, muscles, and nerves, all packed into a body smaller than a hair’s breadth. When faced with a fungal infection, these rotifers activate hundreds of genes that they have borrowed from bacteria and other microorganisms. Some of these genes are responsible for producing resistance weapons, such as antibiotics and other antimicrobial agents, within the rotifers themselves.

Lead study author Chris Wilson from the University of Oxford expressed surprise at the discovery of these stolen genes being used to create antibiotic-like chemicals within the rotifers. This finding challenges conventional wisdom about the capabilities of animals and sheds light on the evolutionary adaptations that have taken place in these unique creatures over millions of years.

The study, published in Nature Communications, marks the first time that rotifers have been observed using these acquired genes to combat diseases. This phenomenon of gene transfer from microbes to animals on such a large scale is unprecedented in the animal kingdom. The implications of this discovery are significant, as it opens up new possibilities for the development of novel antimicrobials that may be less toxic to animals, including humans.

One of the most intriguing aspects of this research is the potential for rotifers to provide valuable insights into the development of drugs to treat human infections caused by bacteria or fungi. With antibiotic resistance posing a growing threat to public health, the need for new and effective treatments is more pressing than ever. By studying the unique genes and chemical recipes employed by rotifers in their self-defense, scientists hope to uncover new avenues for drug discovery.

The genes acquired by rotifers from bacteria encode enzymes that assemble amino acids into non-ribosomal peptides, a class of molecules with antimicrobial properties. These peptides could hold the key to developing safer and more effective drugs to combat infectious diseases in humans.

The study also raises intriguing questions about why rotifers have evolved to acquire such a large number of foreign genes from microbes. One theory suggests that their asexual mode of reproduction, which results in genetic uniformity among offspring, may drive the need for genetic diversity to combat infections effectively. Without the genetic variation introduced through sexual reproduction, rotifers rely on gene transfer from external sources to adapt and survive in changing environments.

In conclusion, the discovery of rotifers using stolen genes to produce antibiotics represents a significant advancement in our understanding of how animals defend themselves against infections. By unraveling the mysteries of these tiny creatures and their unique genetic adaptations, scientists are paving the way for the development of new and innovative treatments for infectious diseases. The study of bdelloid rotifers serves as a reminder of the vast potential that nature holds for inspiring scientific breakthroughs and shaping the future of medicine.