Evolution of programmed ribosomal frameshifting in the TERT genes of Euplotes

A number of recent studies indicate that programmed + 1 ribosomal frameshifting is frequently required for the expression of genes in species of the genus Euplotes. In E. crassus, three genes encoding the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) subunit have been previously found to possess one or two + 1 frameshift sites. To examine the origin of frameshift sites within the Euplotes group, we have isolated segments of the TERT gene from five Euplotes species. Coupled with phylogenetic analysis, the results indicate that one frameshift site in the TERT gene arose late in the evolution of the group. In addition, a novel frameshift site was identified in the TERT gene of E. minuta, a species where frameshifting has not been previously reported. Coupled with other studies, the results indicate that frameshift sites have arisen during the diversification of the euplotids. The results also are discussed in regard to the mutations necessary to generate frameshift sites, and the specialization of TERT protein function that has apparently occurred in E. crassus.