Evolutionary innovation, fungal cell biology, and the lateral gene transfer of a viral KilA-N domain
[Review of ]. CURRENT OPINION IN GENETICS & DEVELOPMENT, 58-59, 103–110.
MeSH headings : DNA-Binding Proteins / chemistry; DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics; DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism; Evolution, Molecular; Fungi / genetics; Fungi / metabolism; Gene Transfer, Horizontal / physiology; Membrane Proteins / chemistry; Membrane Proteins / genetics; Membrane Proteins / metabolism; Nuclear Proteins / chemistry; Nuclear Proteins / genetics; Nuclear Proteins / metabolism; Phylogeny; Protein Conformation; Protein Domains / genetics; Repressor Proteins / chemistry; Repressor Proteins / genetics; Repressor Proteins / metabolism; Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins / chemistry; Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins / genetics; Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins / metabolism; Schizosaccharomyces pombe Proteins / chemistry; Schizosaccharomyces pombe Proteins / genetics; Schizosaccharomyces pombe Proteins / metabolism; Transcription Factors / chemistry; Transcription Factors / genetics; Transcription Factors / metabolism; Viral Regulatory and Accessory Proteins / genetics
TL;DR:
A family of fungal transcription factors derived from the lateral gene transfer of a KilA-N domain commonly found in prokaryotic and eukaryotic DNA viruses play central roles in cell cycle, morphogenesis, sexual differentiation, and quiescence.
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Fungi are found in diverse ecological niches as primary decomposers, mutualists, or parasites of plants and animals. Although animals and fungi share a common ancestor, fungi dramatically diversified their life cycle, cell biology, and metabolism as they evolved and colonized new niches. This review focuses on a family of fungal transcription factors (Swi4/Mbp1, APSES, Xbp1, Bqt4) derived from the lateral gene transfer of a KilA-N domain commonly found in prokaryotic and eukaryotic DNA viruses. These virus-derived fungal regulators play central roles in cell cycle, morphogenesis, sexual differentiation, and quiescence. We consider the possible origins of KilA-N and how this viral DNA binding domain came to be intimately associated with fungal processes.