A Novel Human-Infection-Derived Bacterium Provides Insights into the Evolutionary Origins of Mutualistic Insect–Bacterial Symbioses

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1002990
• Publication Date: 2012-11-15T21:53:26Z
• Authors: Adam L. Clayton; Kelly F. Oakeson; Maria Gutin; Arthur Pontes; Diane M. Dunn; Andrew C. von Nie...; Robert B. Weiss; Mark Fisher; Colin Dale
• Keywords: Strain (injury)

Despite extensive study, little is known about the origins of mutualistic bacterial endosymbionts that inhabit approximately 10% world's insects. In this we characterized a novel opportunistic human pathogen, designated “strain HS,” and found it close relative insect endosymbiont Sodalis glossinidius. Our results indicate ancestral relatives strain HS have served as progenitors for independent descent Sodalis-allied in several hosts. Comparative analyses gene inventories were independently derived from common template through combination irreversible degenerative changes. provide compelling support notion mutualists evolve pathogenic progenitors. They also elucidate role evolutionary processes shaping symbiotic bacteria at very early stage these associations.