Beetle poop may have helped shape millions of years of yeast evolution
University at Buffalo scientists have found evidence that different species of yeast have shared genes originally acquired from an ancient virus—and the guts and droppings of beetles may have helped make it happen.
Researchers from the University at Buffalo have discovered that yeast species share genes originally inherited from an ancient virus, with a significant contribution from the droppings and gut of beetles. Published in Molecular Biology and Evolution, the study reveals that these genes, part of a four-gene cluster named STORM, have moved between different yeast species multiple times.
Wood-eating insects may have facilitated the exchange of these genes by bringing different yeast species into contact in their digestive systems and excrement. Despite the ancient virus that gave rise to these genes disappearing, they have continued to evolve and spread, evolving at a rate seven times faster than related virus genes.
The STORM genes, while showing no direct correlation to the yeast species they are in, have retained some viral-like protein structures, suggesting they may still provide some benefit to their host yeast. The exact function of these genes remains unclear, but researchers suspect they might help yeast cope with stress.
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