What question did this study set out to answer?

The study aims to investigate the horizontal gene transfer (HGT) events from bacteria to ants and their effects on ant evolution.

April 10, 2026Open Access

Comparative analysis of 163 ant genomes reveals recurrent horizontal gene transfer from bacteria to ants

Key Points

The study aims to investigate the horizontal gene transfer (HGT) events from bacteria to ants and their effects on ant evolution.
Conducted comparative genomic analysis of 163 ant genomes
Analyzed the diversity and abundance of horizontally acquired genes
Examined functional roles of acquired genes in metabolic pathways and immune responses
Identified a significant number of horizontally transferred genes from bacteria
Found that these genes enhance metabolic adaptations in ants
Demonstrated alterations in immune response due to acquired bacterial genes

Abstract

This study provides insights into the abundance and diversity of HGT from bacteria in the evolutionary history of ants. Furthermore, our comparative and functional analyses suggest that many of the horizontally acquired genes serve adaptive functions in ants, most prominently by expanding metabolic pathways or modulating immune responses.

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Authors

Janina Rinke

Lukas Franke

Ding He

Journals

GigaScience

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Institutions

University of Copenhagen

Queen Mary University of London

Zhejiang University

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Comparative analysis of 163 ant genomes reveals recurrent horizontal gene transfer from bacteria to ants

Key Points

Abstract

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Authors

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References and Citations

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