Horizontal gene transfer between Wolbachia and the mosquito Aedes aegypti
2009
Gene Transfer Between Wolbachia and Mosquitoes
publication
Evidence: high
Author Information
Author(s): Lisa Klasson, Zakaria Kambris, Peter E Cook, Thomas Walker, Steven P Sinkins
Primary Institution: Department of Zoology, University of Oxford
Hypothesis
Does horizontal gene transfer (HGT) from Wolbachia to Aedes aegypti have evolutionary significance?
Conclusion
The study supports that HGT between Wolbachia and their insect hosts has led to evolutionary innovation.
Supporting Evidence
- The genes AAEL004181 and AAEL004188 in Aedes aegypti were confirmed to be transcribed.
- Phylogenetic analysis suggests a Wolbachia-to-host direction of gene transfer.
- Close homologs of the two Ae. aegypti genes were found in another mosquito species, Ae. mascarensis.
Takeaway
Scientists found that genes from a bacteria called Wolbachia can move into mosquitoes, which might help the mosquitoes adapt and evolve.
Methodology
The study involved DNA and RNA extraction, PCR, sequencing, and RT-PCR to analyze gene expression.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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