Targeted protein evolution in the gut microbiome by diversity-generating retroelements.

ABSTRACT: Diversity-generating retroelements (DGRs) accelerate evolution by rapidly diversifying variable proteins. The human gastrointestinal microbiota harbors the greatest density of DGRs known in nature, suggesting that they play adaptive roles in this environment. We identified >1100 distinct DGRs among human-associated Bacteroides species and discovered a subset that diversify adhesive components of type V pili and related proteins. We show that Bacteroides DGRs are horizontally transferred across species, display activity levels ranging from high to low, and preferentially alter the functional characteristics of ligand-binding residues on adhesive organelles. Specific variable protein sequences are enriched when Bacteroides strains compete with other commensal bacteria in

SUBMITTER: Macadangdang BR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12787319 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature