The Constructive Black Queen hypothesis: new functions can evolve under conditions favouring gene loss.

ABSTRACT: Duplication is a major route for the emergence of new gene functions. However, the emergence of new gene functions via this route may be reduced in prokaryotes, as redundant genes are often rapidly purged. In lineages with compact, streamlined genomes, it thus appears challenging for novel function to emerge via duplication and divergence. A further pressure contributing to gene loss occurs under Black Queen dynamics, as cheaters that lose the capacity to produce a public good can instead acquire it from neighbouring producers. We propose that Black Queen dynamics can favour the emergence of new function because, under an emerging Black Queen dynamic, there is high gene redundancy spread across a community of interacting cells. Using computational modelling, we demonstrate that new gene fu

SUBMITTER: Takeuchi N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10942775 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature