Sexual reproduction consists of genome reduction by meiosis and subsequent gamete fusion. Presence of meiotic genes in prokaryotes suggests that DNA repair mechanisms evolved toward meiotic recombination; however, fusogenic proteins resembling those found in eukaryotes were not identified in prokaryotes. Here, we identify archaeal proteins that are homologs of fusexins, a superfamily of fusogens that mediate eukaryotic gamete and somatic cell fusion, as well as virus entry. The crystal structure of a trimeric archaeal Fusexin1 reveals novel features such as a six-helix bundle and an additional globular domain. Ectopically expressed Fusexin1 can fuse mammalian cells, and this process involves the additional domain and a conserved fusion loop. Archaeal fusexin genes exist within integrated mobile elements, potentially linking ancient archaeal gene exchanges and eukaryotic sex.

One-Sentence Summary

Cell membrane fusion proteins of viruses and eukaryotes are also present in archaea.