Babesia bovis: a comprehensive phylogenetic analysis of plastid-encoded genes supports green algal origin of apicoplasts.

Full Abstract

Apicomplexan parasites commonly contain a unique, non-photosynthetic plastid-like organelle termed the apicoplast. Previous analyses of other plastid-containing organisms suggest that apicoplasts were derived from a red algal ancestor. In this report, we present an extensive phylogenetic study of apicoplast origins using multiple previously reported apicoplast sequences as well as several sequences recently reported. Phylogenetic analysis of amino acid sequences was used to determine the evolutionary origin of the organelle. A total of nine plastid genes from 37 species were incorporated in our study. The data strongly support a green algal origin for apicoplasts and Euglenozoan plastids. Further, the nearest green algae lineage to the Apicomplexans is the parasite Helicosporidium, suggesting that apicoplasts may have originated by lateral transfer from green algal parasite lineages. The results also substantiate earlier findings that plastids found in Heterokonts such as Odontella and Thalassiosira were derived from a separate secondary endosymbiotic event likely originating from a red algal lineage.

Author information

Author/s: Lau, Audrey O T (AO); McElwain, Terry F (TF); Brayton, Kelly A (KA); Knowles, Donald P (DP); Roalson, Eric H (EH);

Affiliation: Program in Genomics, Department of Veterinary Microbiology & Pathology, School for Global Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-7040, USA. laua(-atsign-)vetmed.wsu.edu

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't; Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

Journal: Experimental parasitology (Exp Parasitol), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2009-Nov; vol 123 (issue 3) : pp 236-43

Dates: Created 2009/09/07; Completed 2009/09/18;

PMID: 19646439, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 9/18/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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