Evolution of genetic switch complexity.
Evolution of genetic switch complexity.
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DOI：
10.4161/bact.24186
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发表时间：
2013-01-01
期刊：
影响因子：
--
通讯作者：
Hatfull GF
中科院分区：
文献类型：
--
作者：
Broussard GW;Hatfull GF
The circuitry of the phage λ genetic switch determining the outcome of lytic or lysogenic growth is well-integrated and complex, raising the question as to how it evolved. It is plausible that it arose from a simpler ancestral switch with fewer components that underwent various additions and refinements, as it adapted to vast numbers of different hosts and conditions. We have recently identified a new class of genetic switches found in mycobacteriophages and other prophages, in which immunity is dependent on integration. These switches contain only three genes (integrase, repressor and cro) and represent a major departure from the λ-like circuitry, lacking many features such as xis, cII and cIII. These small self-contained switches represent an unrealized, elegant circuitry for controlling infection outcome. In this addendum, we propose a model of possible events in the evolution of a complex λ-like switch from a simpler integration-dependent switch.
