Here we review two connected themes in evolutionary microbiology: ( a) the nature of gene repertoire variation within species groups (pangenomes) and ( b) the concept of metabolite transporters as accessory proteins capable of providing niche-defining “bolt-on” phenotypes. We discuss the need for improved sampling and understanding of pangenome variation in eukaryotic microbes. We then review the factors that shape the repertoire of accessory genes within pangenomes. As part of this discussion, we outline how gene duplication is a key factor in both eukaryotic pangenome variation and transporter gene family evolution. We go on to outline how, through functional characterization of transporter-encoding genes, in combination with analyses of how transporter genes are gained and lost from accessory genomes, we can reveal much about the niche range, the ecology, and the evolution of virulence of microbes. We advocate for the coordinated systematic study of eukaryotic pangenomes through genome sequencing and the functional analysis of genes found within the accessory gene repertoire.

中文翻译：

---

转运蛋白作为微生物真核泛基因组的生态资产和特征

在这里，我们回顾了进化微生物学中两个相互关联的主题：（a）物种组（全基因组）内基因库变异的本质和（b）代谢物转运蛋白作为辅助蛋白的概念，能够提供利基定义的“螺栓固定”表型。我们讨论了改进对真核微生物全基因组变异采样和理解的必要性。然后，我们回顾了影响全基因组内辅助基因库的因素。作为本次讨论的一部分，我们概述了基因复制如何成为真核全基因组变异和转运蛋白基因家族进化的关键因素。我们继续概述如何通过转运蛋白编码基因的功能表征，结合转运蛋白基因如何从辅助基因组中获得和丢失的分析，我们可以揭示有关微生态位范围、生态学和毒力进化的更多信息。微生物。我们主张通过基因组测序和辅助基因库中发现的基因的功能分析来协调系统地研究真核全基因组。