'Planimal' cells retain nearly entire algal genome after experimental cell fusion
Most DNA in an organism is inherited from its parent or parents. This form of genetic inheritance is referred to as vertical inheritance because genes are passed down from generation to generation.
Recent experiments have revealed that foreign genetic material can persist for many generations within eukaryotic cells, despite the vast evolutionary differences between species. A research team led by scientists from the University of Tokyo created "planimal" cells - mammalian cells containing algal DNA - to better understand the process of horizontal gene transfer in mammals.
By fusing algal cells with hamster-derived mammalian cells, the team found that stable hybrid cells could be generated, with approximately 16.3 million base pairs of algal nuclear DNA retained in one cell line over 155 cell generations. This includes intact chromosomes and sequences from all 20 algal chromosomes. Remarkably, algal DNA remained detectable for 95 generations without the use of antibiotic selection.
The majority of transferred algal genes were inactive, but epigenetic modifications facilitated the mammalian cells' accommodation of the foreign DNA. Researchers hope to selectively switch on selected algal genes to imbue animal cells with unique plant and algae abilities, such as photosynthesis.
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