From green to red: horizontal gene transfer of the phycoerythrin gene cluster between Planktothrix strains.

ABSTRACT: Horizontal gene transfer is common in cyanobacteria, and transfer of large gene clusters may lead to acquisition of new functions and conceivably niche adaption. In the present study, we demonstrate that horizontal gene transfer between closely related Planktothrix strains can explain the production of the same oligopeptide isoforms by strains of different colors. Comparison of the genomes of eight Planktothrix strains revealed that strains producing the same oligopeptide isoforms are closely related, regardless of color. We have investigated genes involved in the synthesis of the photosynthetic pigments phycocyanin and phycoerythrin, which are responsible for green and red appearance, respectively. Sequence comparisons suggest the transfer of a functional phycoerythrin gene cluster genera

SUBMITTER: Tooming-Klunderud A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3811498 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature