Potential Role of Asgard Archaea as Gene Transfer Mediators in Early Endosymbiosis with Cyanobacteria

Abstract

The aim of this study was to synthesize the available cytological evidence to demonstrate the feasibility of gene transfer elements of Asgardia archaea origin that promote endosymbiotic genes in cyanobacteria. The present discussion focuses on the possibility of Asgardia archaea as gene mediators and the possible evidence of gene transfer mediated by Asgardia. Evidence for Asgardia archaea as gene mediators is divided into several main aspects. From the spatio-temporal aspect, there is spatio-temporal coupling. From the cellular structure aspect, Asgardia archaea possess the material basis for gene transfer. In terms of gene sequence, Asgardia archaea possess genes related to cytoskeleton construction and membrane transport similar to eukaryotic cells. It also possesses a vesicular delivery mechanism similar to that of eukaryotic cells and possesses the basic ability of gene transfer. The analysis of the existing experimental findings of archaea and yeast has led to evidence of possible archaeal involvement in mediation, including: the extremely high theoretical value of gene delivery efficiency of archaeal genes in the early endosymbiotic form; and the enhanced efficiency of recombination of genes in yeast under the conditions of co-cultivation.