Challenging the prokaryotic MGE‐defense origin of eukaryotic RNA editing

作者：Yuange Duan, Qiuhua Xie, Jiajia Yang, Wanzhi Cai, Hu Li · 发表于：mLife · 年份：2026 · DOI：10.1002/mlf2.70084 · 研究领域：RNA regulation and disease、Bacterial Genetics and Biotechnology、CRISPR and Genetic Engineering

On the origin, evolution, and maintenance of RNA editing" in Nucleic Acids Research 1 , responding to a review by Bendich and Rogers in the same journal, entitled "The biological and evolutionary consequences of competition between DNA sequences that benefit the cell and DNA sequences that benefit themselves" 2 .In our response, we raised concerns about their view that eukaryotic RNA editing serves as a mechanism for mobile genetic element (MGE) defense and presented evidence that does not support their theory.Indeed, our commentary deviated slightly from the broader scope of their original article.While their focus was more extensive, we only addressed the issue of RNA editing.Additionally, one may argue that we appeared not to provide substantial evidence to refute Bendich and Rogers' hypothesis that "eukaryotic RNA editing originates from bacterial RNA editing system" 2 .We focused solely on the current behavior of eukaryotic RNA editing and did not address their novel perspective of "prokaryotic origin."Here, we will further clarify our position.We demonstrate from both logical and objective perspectives that the conclusion proposed by Bendich and Rogers, that eukaryotic RNA editing originates from prokaryotic RNA editing system, seems untenable.We do not deny the overall quality and elegant writing of their article, but we appeal that reaching a correct conclusion requires not only solid facts/observations but also meticulous logical reasoning.Notably, in this article, w...