Conditions for the Evolution of Gene Clusters in Bacterial Genomes

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1000672
• Publication Date: 2010-02-11T22:48:06Z
• Authors: Sara Ballouz; Andrew R. Francis; Ruiting Lan; Mark M. Tanaka
• Keywords: Negative selection; Horizontal Gene Transfer; Gene cluster

Genes encoding proteins in a common pathway are often found near each other along bacterial chromosomes. Several explanations have been proposed to account for the evolution of these structures. For instance, natural selection may directly favour gene clusters through variety mechanisms, such as increased efficiency coregulation. An alternative and controversial hypothesis is selfish operon model, which asserts that clustered arrangements genes more easily transferred species, thus improving prospects survival cluster. According another (the persistence model), close proximity less likely be disrupted by deletions. Here we develop computational models study conditions under can evolve persist. First, examine model re-implementing simulation running it wide range conditions. Second, introduce Moran process there clustering rearrangement occurs genome inversion events. Finally, includes inversion, tracks occurrence fixation rearrangements. Surprisingly, fail Factors promote include low number pathway, high population size, case horizontal transfer rate. The analysis here has shown occur both direct indirect long certain hold. Under still viable an explanation clusters.