Evolution of a family of molecular Rube Goldberg contraptions

Beeby, Morgan (2019) Evolution of a family of molecular Rube Goldberg contraptions. PLOS Biology, 17 (8). e3000405. ISSN 1545-7885

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Abstract

Case studies of the evolution of molecular machines remain scarce. One of the most diverse and widespread homologous families of machines is the type IV filament (TFF) superfamily, comprised of type IV pili, type II secretion systems (T2SSs), archaella, and other less-well-characterized families. These families have functions including twitching motility, effector export, rotary propulsion, nutrient uptake, DNA uptake, and even electrical conductance, but it is unclear how such diversity evolved from a common ancestor. In this issue, Denise and colleagues take a significant step toward understanding evolution of the TFF superfamily by determining a global phylogeny and using it to infer an evolutionary pathway. Results reveal that the superfamily predates the divergence of Bacteria and Archaea, and show how duplications, acquisitions, and losses coincide with changes in function. Surprises include that tight adherence (Tad) pili were horizontally acquired from Archaea and that T2SSs were relatively recently repurposed from type IV pili. Results also enable better understanding of the function of the ATPase family that powers the superfamily. The study highlights the role of tinkering by exaptation—the repurposing of pre-existing functions for new roles—in the diversification of molecular machines.

Item Type: Article
Subjects: Science Global Plos > Biological Science
Depositing User: Unnamed user with email support@science.globalplos.com
Date Deposited: 09 Feb 2023 09:12
Last Modified: 13 Oct 2023 04:20
URI: http://ebooks.manu2sent.com/id/eprint/22

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