November 2013 archive

Horizontal Gene Transfer is a Significant Driver of Gene Innovation in Dinoflagellates.

Horizontal Gene Transfer is a Significant Driver of Gene Innovation in Dinoflagellates.
Genome Biol Evol. 2013 Nov 19;
Authors: Wisecaver JH, Brosnahan ML, Hackett JD
Abstract
The dinoflagellates are an evolu…

FACULTY POSITION IN EVOLUTIONARY GENOMICS/GENETICS San Diego

FACULTY POSITION IN EVOLUTIONARY GENOMICS/GENETICS DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY, SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY We seek a creative, productive evolutionary biologist with research strengths in eukaryotic genomics or genetics. We are especially interested in candidates who use innovative experimental, computational and/or comparative approaches. Research area is open to studies of all eukaryotic organisms. Candidates should have post-doctoral …

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The case of horizontal gene transfer from bacteria to the peculiar dinoflagellate plastid genome.

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The case of horizontal gene transfer from bacteria to the peculiar dinoflagellate plastid genome.

Mob Genet Elements. 2013 Jul 1;3(4):e25845

Authors: Mackiewicz P, Bodył A, Moszczyński K

Abstract
Organelle genomes lose their genes by transfer to host nuclear genomes, but only occasionally are enriched by foreign genes from other sources. In contrast to mitochondria, plastid genomes are especially resistant to such horizontal gene transfer (HGT), and thus every gene acquired in this way is notable. An exceptional case of HGT was recently recognized in the peculiar peridinin plastid genome of dinoflagellates, which is organized in plasmid-like minicircles. Genomic and phylogenetic analyses of Ceratium horridum and Pyrocystis lunula minicircles revealed four genes and one unannotated open reading frame that probably were gained from bacteria belonging to the Bacteroidetes. Such bacteria seem to be a good source of genes because close endosymbiotic associations between them and dinoflagellates have been observed. The HGT-acquired genes are involved in plastid functions characteristic of other photosynthetic eukaryotes, and their arrangement resembles bacterial operons. These studies indicate that the peridinin plastid genome, usually regarded as having resulted from reduction and fragmentation of a typical plastid genome derived from red algae, may have a chimeric origin that includes bacterial contributions. Potential contamination of the Ceratium and Pyrocystis plastid genomes by bacterial sequences and the controversial localization of their minicircles in the nucleus are also discussed.

PMID: 24195014 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

Comprehensive ultrastructure of Kipferlia bialata provides evidence for character evolution within the Fornicata (Excavata).

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Comprehensive ultrastructure of Kipferlia bialata provides evidence for character evolution within the Fornicata (Excavata).
Protist. 2013 May;164(3):423-39
Authors: Yubuki N, Simpson AG, Leander BS

Faculty Position in Genomics or Computational Biology: U of Calgary

The Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary and the Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute for Child & Maternal Health invite applications for a full-time position at the Assistant Professor level in the area of Genomics or Computational Biology. Qualifications include a Ph.D. degree or equivalent, at least two years …

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