Author ORCID Identifier
Elinor G. Sterner: 0009-0001-4511-9350
Auden Cote-L’Heureux: 0000-0001-5793-7695
Xyrus X. Maurer-Alcalá: 0000-0002-7499-9369
Laura A. Katz: 0000-0002-9138-4702
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
11-7-2024
Publication Title
Genome Biology and Evolution
Abstract
In contrast to the typified view of genome cycling only between haploidy and diploidy, there is evidence from across the tree of life of genome dynamics that alter both copy number (i.e. ploidy) and chromosome complements. Here, we highlight examples of such processes, including endoreplication, aneuploidy, inheritance of extrachromosomal DNA, and chromatin extrusion. Synthesizing data on eukaryotic genome dynamics in diverse extant lineages suggests the possibility that such processes were present before the last eukaryotic common ancestor. While present in some prokaryotes, these features appear exaggerated in eukaryotes where they are regulated by eukaryote-specific innovations including the nucleus, complex cytoskeleton, and synaptonemal complex. Based on these observations, we propose a model by which genome conflict drove the transformation of genomes during eukaryogenesis: from the origin of eukaryotes (i.e. first eukaryotic common ancestor) through the evolution of last eukaryotic common ancestor.
Keywords
eukaryogenesis, genome dynamics, polyploidy, aneuploidy, genetic conflict, meiosis
Volume
16
Issue
11
First Page
evae239
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Rights
© The Author(s) 2024.
Version
Version of Record
Recommended Citation
Sterner, Elinor G.; Cote-L’Heureux, Auden; Maurer-Alcalá, Xyrus X.; and Katz, Laura A., "Diverse Genome Structures among Eukaryotes May Have Arisen in Response to Genetic Conflict" (2024). Biological Sciences: Faculty Publications, Smith College, Northampton, MA.
https://scholarworks.smith.edu/bio_facpubs/339