Is kinetoplastid pan-editing the result of an evolutionary balancing act?

Abstract

Kinetoplastid U-insertion/deletion type editing is a highly elaborate process to generate translationally competent mitochondrial mRNAs. All evolutionary models to explain its origin and extent in present day organisms lack a convincing description of the advantage(s) responsible for an active increase of the editing potential. This advantage can be found in the gene fragmentation that is inherent in pan-editing which gives protection against loss of temporarily non expressed mitochondrial genes during periods of intense intraspecies competition. © 2006 IUBMB.