Meiosis-associated expression patterns during starvation-induced cell fusion in the protist Fisculla terrestris
Abstract Background Unicellular eukaryotes were widely considered to r eproduce without sex. However, recent findings suggest that meiosis, and by extension (sometimes cryptic) sexual reproduction, might be present in almost all eukaryotic lineages. Results Here, we investigate the transcriptomic re...
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| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
BMC
2025-05-01
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| Series: | BMC Biology |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12915-025-02246-3 |
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| Summary: | Abstract Background Unicellular eukaryotes were widely considered to r eproduce without sex. However, recent findings suggest that meiosis, and by extension (sometimes cryptic) sexual reproduction, might be present in almost all eukaryotic lineages. Results Here, we investigate the transcriptomic response underlying starvation-induced fusion in the Rhizaria protist Fisculla terrestris. Investigations of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with a particular focus on the expression of meiosis-associated genes suggest that some form of meiosis and recombination might occur in these Rhizaria. Conclusions We showed that starvation triggered changes in gene expression of meiosis-associated genes in F. terrestris. However, if these processes are coupled with sexual reproduction remains to be investigated. |
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| ISSN: | 1741-7007 |