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How hyperthermophiles adapt to change their lives: DNA exchange in extreme conditions

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Abstract

Transfer of DNA has been shown to be involved in genome evolution. In particular with respect to the adaptation of bacterial species to high temperatures, DNA transfer between the domains of bacteria and archaea seems to have played a major role. In addition, DNA exchange between similar species likely plays a role in repair of DNA via homologous recombination, a process that is crucial under DNA damaging conditions such as high temperatures. Several mechanisms for the transfer of DNA have been described in prokaryotes, emphasizing its general importance. However, until recently, not much was known about this process in prokaryotes growing in highly thermophilic environments. This review describes the different mechanisms of DNA transfer in hyperthermophiles, and how this may contribute to the survival and adaptation of hyperthermophilic archaea and bacteria to extreme environments.

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Acknowledgments

M.vW was supported by a grant from the German Science Foundation (DFG, AL1206/3-1). M.A was supported by an ALW grant from the Dutch Science Organization (NWO). S.V.A. received support from intramural funds of the Max Planck Society.

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  1. Molecular Biology of Archaea, Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Karl-von-Frisch-Strasse 10, 35043, Marburg, Germany

    Marleen van Wolferen & Sonja-Verena Albers

  2. Department of Molecular Microbiology, Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands

    Małgorzata Ajon & Arnold J. M. Driessen

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  1. Marleen van Wolferen
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  2. Małgorzata Ajon
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  3. Arnold J. M. Driessen
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Correspondence to Sonja-Verena Albers.

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Communicated by L. Huang.

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van Wolferen, M., Ajon, M., Driessen, A.J.M. et al. How hyperthermophiles adapt to change their lives: DNA exchange in extreme conditions. Extremophiles 17, 545–563 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00792-013-0552-6

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