Functional and evolutionary analysis of a eukaryotic parasitic genome

Curr Opin Microbiol. 2002 Oct;5(5):499-505. doi: 10.1016/s1369-5274(02)00356-9.

Abstract

The DNA sequences of the 11 linear chromosomes of the approximately 2.9 Mbp genome of Encephalitozoon cuniculi, an obligate intracellular parasite of mammals, include approximately 2000 putative protein-coding genes. The compactness of this genome is associated with the length reduction of various genes. Essential functions are dependent on a minimal set of genes. Phylogenetic analysis supports the hypotheses that microsporidia are related to fungi and have retained a mitochondrion-derived organelle, the mitosome.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biological Evolution
  • Encephalitozoon cuniculi / classification
  • Encephalitozoon cuniculi / genetics*
  • Encephalitozoon cuniculi / metabolism
  • Eukaryotic Cells
  • Genes, Protozoan
  • Genome, Protozoan*
  • Phylogeny
  • Protozoan Proteins / genetics*
  • Protozoan Proteins / metabolism

Substances

  • Protozoan Proteins