1196-Protein Epigenetic Switch for Adaptation

Paper Talk · Jun 28, 2026 · 22m

This research explores how prion-based protein self-assembly acts as a reversible epigenetic switch to control mutation rates and evolutionary adaptation in yeast. By altering the behavior of DNA repair and replication proteins, these prions can either increase or decrease genetic diversification depending on environmental pressures. The study demonstrates that these prionic mutators are widespread in nature and significantly accelerate the emergence of drug resistance in pathogens like Candida albicans. Because these states are heritable yet reversible, they allow populations to rapidly…