Unusual Histone H2A Variants in Bdelloid Rotifers
Author Information
Author(s): Karine Van Doninck, Morgan L. Mandigo, Jae H. Hur, Peter Wang, Julien Guglielmini, Michel C. Milinkovitch, William S. Lane, Matthew Meselson
Primary Institution: Department of Biology, University of Namur, Belgium
Hypothesis
Are the histone H2A genes and proteins in bdelloid rotifers unusual compared to other eukaryotes?
Conclusion
Bdelloid rotifers lack canonical histone H2A and H2AX, replacing them with unique H2A variants that may aid in their survival under extreme conditions.
Supporting Evidence
- Bdelloid rotifers have evolved for millions of years without males and meiosis.
- They can repair extensive DNA damage caused by radiation.
- Unique H2A variants in bdelloids may represent adaptations to extreme environments.
Takeaway
Bdelloid rotifers have special proteins that help them survive tough conditions, and they don't have the usual histone proteins found in most other animals.
Methodology
Genomic libraries were built and probed to identify histone H2A genes, and proteins were analyzed using SDS-PAGE and mass spectrometry.
Limitations
The study may not cover all bdelloid species or account for all environmental factors affecting histone variation.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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