| 研究実績の概要 |
Through phylogenetic analyses, we have identified the origin of genes encoding proteins that mediate one modern ability (degradation of artificial compounds/xenobiotics) and one ancient ability (generation of methane). While we found multiple origins for xenobiotic degradation of the same compounds in extant bacterial families, we found a single origin for methane production prior to the emergence of archaea. The latter discovery involved tracing of catabolic and anabolic genes and enzyme-independent activities of cofactors central to catabolism. We have also traced the evolution of non-methane production related genes in Archaea, showing how certain functions evolved alongside methane production.
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