Horizontal Gene Transfer in the Acquisition of Novel Traits by Metazoans

Overview

Journal Proc Biol Sci

Specialty Biology

Date 2014 Jan 10

PMID 24403327

Citations 79

Authors

Luis Boto

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Horizontal gene transfer is accepted as an important evolutionary force modulating the evolution of prokaryote genomes. However, it is thought that horizontal gene transfer plays only a minor role in metazoan evolution. In this paper, I critically review the rising evidence on horizontally transferred genes and on the acquisition of novel traits in metazoans. In particular, I discuss suspected examples in sponges, cnidarians, rotifers, nematodes, molluscs and arthropods which suggest that horizontal gene transfer in metazoans is not simply a curiosity. In addition, I stress the scarcity of studies in vertebrates and other animal groups and the importance of forthcoming studies to understand the importance and extent of horizontal gene transfer in animals.

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