A neo-functionalized homolog of host transmembrane protein controls localization of bacterial endosymbionts in the trypanosomatid Novymonas esmeraldas

Zakharova, Alexandra; Tashyreva, Daria; Butenko, Anzhelika; Morales, Jorge; Saura, Andreu; Svobodová, Michaela; Poschmann, Gereon; Nandipati, Satish; Zakharova, Alena; Noyvert, David; Gahura, Ondřej; Týč, Jiří; Stühler, Kai; Kostygov, Alexei Y.; Nowack, Eva C.M.; Lukeš, Julius; Yurchenko, Vyacheslav

doi:10.1016/j.cub.2023.04.060

Cited by 7 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 56 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…In-depth analysis of these genomes has proven to be instrumental for shedding light on various aspects of trypanosomatid, and, more generally, eukaryotic biology. For instance, it led to the identification of novel virulence factors in human parasites of the genus Leishmania [ 7 , 13 ], understanding the metabolic cooperation between trypanosomatids and their bacterial endosymbionts [ 11 , 14 , 15 ], as well as the discovery of novel mechanisms enabling stop-to-sense codon reassignment [ 12 ]. Despite recent progress in mitigating the bias towards practically relevant pathogens, the knowledge about several monoxenous genera is still restricted to formal taxonomic descriptions with sequencing data confined to some common phylogenetic markers, such as genes for 18S rRNA, glycosomal glyceraldehyde phosphate dehydrogenase, and spliced leader RNA [ 16 , 17 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Shining the spotlight on the neglected: new high-quality genome assemblies as a gateway to understanding the evolution of Trypanosomatidae

Albanaz,

Carrington,

Frolov

et al. 2023

BMC Genomics

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Background Protists of the family Trypanosomatidae (phylum Euglenozoa) have gained notoriety as parasites affecting humans, domestic animals, and agricultural plants. However, the true extent of the group's diversity spreads far beyond the medically and veterinary relevant species. We address several knowledge gaps in trypanosomatid research by undertaking sequencing, assembly, and analysis of genomes from previously overlooked representatives of this protistan group. Results We assembled genomes for twenty-one trypanosomatid species, with a primary focus on insect parasites and Trypanosoma spp. parasitizing non-human hosts. The assemblies exhibit sizes consistent with previously sequenced trypanosomatid genomes, ranging from approximately 18 Mb for Obscuromonas modryi to 35 Mb for Crithidia brevicula and Zelonia costaricensis. Despite being the smallest, the genome of O. modryi has the highest content of repetitive elements, contributing nearly half of its total size. Conversely, the highest proportion of unique DNA is found in the genomes of Wallacemonas spp., with repeats accounting for less than 8% of the assembly length. The majority of examined species exhibit varying degrees of aneuploidy, with trisomy being the most frequently observed condition after disomy. Conclusions The genome of Obscuromonas modryi represents a very unusual, if not unique, example of evolution driven by two antidromous forces: i) increasing dependence on the host leading to genomic shrinkage and ii) expansion of repeats causing genome enlargement. The observed variation in somy within and between trypanosomatid genera suggests that these flagellates are largely predisposed to aneuploidy and, apparently, exploit it to gain a fitness advantage. High heterogeneity in the genome size, repeat content, and variation in chromosome copy numbers in the newly-sequenced species highlight the remarkable genome plasticity exhibited by trypanosomatid flagellates. These new genome assemblies are a robust foundation for future research on the genetic basis of life cycle changes and adaptation to different hosts in the family Trypanosomatidae.

show abstract