Detection of horizontal transfer events in eukaryotes using bioinformatics methods, with a focus on incorporated dietary DNA

Abstract

This paper deals with horizontal gene transfer in eukaryotes, and the use of bioinformatics methods to detect such events. Horizontal gene transfer is the process where genetic material is exchanged between species. It has been known for decades that bacteria and other prokaryotes can obtain DNA from their environment and incorporate it into the genome. A potential source for horizontal gene transfer events in eukaryotes is the uptake of dietary DNA. Recent experiments have shown that uptake of DNA from feed is possible in different animals. This thesis gives an account of the horizontal gene transfer process and aims at developing a new method for detecting such events. An initial algorithm was created, but during the work with the thesis this was abandoned for the benefit of a second approach called the kTuple Frequency Based method. The kTuple Frequency Based method is a prototype approach for detecting horizontal transfer events.