Stolen-phenotype biology Project

Some organisms acquire their phenotype postnatally, across species, without horizontal gene transfer (HGT). One example is the sea slug, which can obtain nutrition by photosynthesis through the sequestration of algal chloroplasts into animal cells. Although HGT has been considered essential for cross-species transformation, this phenomenon attracts interest in organelles and proteins as an element of phenotype propagation. We aim to elucidate the molecular mechanism and evolutionary contribution of this phenomenon by conducting multi-scale studies from the molecular to the behavioural level.

Project HP URL:https://www.maedat-ac.com

Publication

1. eLife 10:e60176.(2021)

2. Scientific Data 6(1).(2019)
3. Plos One 7(7) e42024.(2012)
4. The Biological Bulletin 219(1) 17-26.(2010)

Taro Maeda
Project Research Associate