title: Horizontal gene transfer in the acquisition of novel traits by metazoans.
abstract: Horizontal gene transfer is accepted as an important evolutionary force modulating the evolution of prokaryote genomes. However, it is thought that horizontal gene transfer plays only a minor role in metazoan evolution. In this paper, I critically review the rising evidence on horizontally transferred genes and on the acquisition of novel traits in metazoans. In particular, I discuss suspected examples in sponges, cnidarians, rotifers, nematodes, molluscs and arthropods which suggest that horizontal gene transfer in metazoans is not simply a curiosity. In addition, I stress the scarcity of studies in vertebrates and other animal groups and the importance of forthcoming studies to understand the importance and extent of horizontal gene transfer in animals.
authors.affiliation: Dpto. Biodiversidad y Biología Evolutiva, Museo Nacional Ciencias Naturales. CSIC, , C/ José Gutierrez Abascal 2, 28006 Madrid, Spain.
authors.forename: Luis
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Boto
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005075:Biological Evolution; D043344:Chordata / Q000235:genetics*; D022761:Gene Transfer, Horizontal; D007448:Invertebrates / Q000235:genetics*; D013559:Symbiosis
keywords: evolution; horizontal gene transfer; metazoans; novel traits