1
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Cheng X, Jiang T, Huang Q, Ji L, Li J, Kong X, Zhu X, He X, Deng X, Wu T, Yu H, Shi Y, Liu L, Zhao X, Wang X, Chen H, Yu J. Exposure to Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles Leads to Specific Disorders of Spermatid Elongation via Multiple Metabolic Pathways in Drosophila Testes. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:23613-23623. [PMID: 38854533 PMCID: PMC11154731 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c01140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) have been extensively utilized in various applications. However, the regulatory mechanism behind the reproductive toxicity induced by TiO2 NP exposure remains largely elusive. In this study, we employed a Drosophila model to assess potential testicular injuries during spermatogenesis and conducted bulk RNA-Seq analysis to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Our results reveal that while prolonged exposure to lower concentrations of TiO2 NPs (0.45 mg/mL) for 30 days did not manifest reproductive toxicity, exposure at concentrations of 0.9 and 1.8 mg/mL significantly impaired spermatid elongation in Drosophila testes. Notably, bulk RNA-seq analysis revealed that TiO2 NP exposure affected multiple metabolic pathways including carbohydrate metabolism and cytochrome P450. Importantly, the intervention of glutathione (GSH) significantly protected against reproductive toxicity induced by TiO2 NP exposure, as it restored the number of Orb-positive spermatid clusters in Drosophila testes. Our study provides novel insights into the specific detrimental effects of TiO2 NP exposure on spermatid elongation through multiple metabolic alterations in Drosophila testes and highlights the protective role of GSH in countering this toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinmeng Cheng
- Institute
of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Ting Jiang
- Institute
of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Qiuru Huang
- Institute
of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Li Ji
- Institute
of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Jiaxin Li
- Institute
of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Xiuwen Kong
- Institute
of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Xiaoqi Zhu
- Institute
of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Xuxin He
- Institute
of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Xiaonan Deng
- Institute
of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Tong Wu
- Institute
of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Hao Yu
- Institute
of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Yi Shi
- Institute
of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Lin Liu
- Institute
of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Xinyuan Zhao
- Department
of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Toxicology, Nantong Key
Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China
| | - Xiaorong Wang
- Center
for Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Maternity
and Child Health Care Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226018, China
- Nantong
Institute of Genetics and Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226018, China
- Nantong
Key Laboratory of Genetics and Reproductive Medicine, Nantong 226018, China
| | - Hao Chen
- Institute
of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Jun Yu
- Institute
of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
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2
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Zeender V, Pfammatter S, Roschitzki B, Dorus S, Lüpold S. Genotype-by-environment interactions influence the composition of the Drosophila seminal proteome. Proc Biol Sci 2023; 290:20231313. [PMID: 37700651 PMCID: PMC10498039 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.1313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Ejaculate proteins are key mediators of post-mating sexual selection and sexual conflict, as they can influence both male fertilization success and female reproductive physiology. However, the extent and sources of genetic variation and condition dependence of the ejaculate proteome are largely unknown. Such knowledge could reveal the targets and mechanisms of post-mating selection and inform about the relative costs and allocation of different ejaculate components, each with its own potential fitness consequences. Here, we used liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry to characterize the whole-ejaculate protein composition across 12 isogenic lines of Drosophila melanogaster that were reared on a high- or low-quality diet. We discovered new proteins in the transferred ejaculate and inferred their origin in the male reproductive system. We further found that the ejaculate composition was mainly determined by genotype identity and genotype-specific responses to larval diet, with no clear overall diet effect. Nutrient restriction increased proteolytic protein activity and shifted the balance between reproductive function and RNA metabolism. Our results open new avenues for exploring the intricate role of genotypes and their environment in shaping ejaculate composition, or for studying the functional dynamics and evolutionary potential of the ejaculate in its multivariate complexity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valérian Zeender
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sibylle Pfammatter
- Functional Genomics Center Zurich, University of Zurich/ETH Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Bernd Roschitzki
- Functional Genomics Center Zurich, University of Zurich/ETH Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Steve Dorus
- Center for Reproductive Evolution, Department of Biology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA
| | - Stefan Lüpold
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
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3
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Arboviruses and symbiotic viruses cooperatively hijack insect sperm-specific proteins for paternal transmission. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1289. [PMID: 36894574 PMCID: PMC9998617 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36993-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Arboviruses and symbiotic viruses can be paternally transmitted by male insects to their offspring for long-term viral persistence in nature, but the mechanism remains largely unknown. Here, we identify the sperm-specific serpin protein HongrES1 of leafhopper Recilia dorsalis as a mediator of paternal transmission of the reovirus Rice gall dwarf virus (RGDV) and a previously undescribed symbiotic virus of the Virgaviridae family, Recilia dorsalis filamentous virus (RdFV). We show that HongrES1 mediates the direct binding of virions to leafhopper sperm surfaces and subsequent paternal transmission via interaction with both viral capsid proteins. Direct interaction of viral capsid proteins mediates simultaneously invasion of two viruses into male reproductive organs. Moreover, arbovirus activates HongrES1 expression to suppress the conversion of prophenoloxidase to active phenoloxidase, potentially producing a mild antiviral melanization defense. Paternal virus transmission scarcely affects offspring fitness. These findings provide insights into how different viruses cooperatively hijack insect sperm-specific proteins for paternal transmission without disturbing sperm functions.
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4
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Meisel RP, Asgari D, Schlamp F, Unckless RL. Induction and inhibition of Drosophila X chromosome gene expression are both impeded by the dosage compensation complex. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2022; 12:6632659. [PMID: 35792851 PMCID: PMC9434221 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkac165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Sex chromosomes frequently differ from the autosomes in the frequencies of genes with sexually dimorphic or tissue-specific expression. Multiple hypotheses have been put forth to explain the unique gene content of the X chromosome, including selection against male-beneficial X-linked alleles, expression limits imposed by the haploid dosage of the X in males, and interference by the dosage compensation complex on expression in males. Here, we investigate these hypotheses by examining differential gene expression in Drosophila melanogaster following several treatments that have widespread transcriptomic effects: bacterial infection, viral infection, and abiotic stress. We found that genes that are induced (upregulated) by these biotic and abiotic treatments are frequently under-represented on the X chromosome, but so are those that are repressed (downregulated) following treatment. We further show that whether a gene is bound by the dosage compensation complex in males can largely explain the paucity of both up- and downregulated genes on the X chromosome. Specifically, genes that are bound by the dosage compensation complex, or close to a dosage compensation complex high-affinity site, are unlikely to be up- or downregulated after treatment. This relationship, however, could partially be explained by a correlation between differential expression and breadth of expression across tissues. Nonetheless, our results suggest that dosage compensation complex binding, or the associated chromatin modifications, inhibit both up- and downregulation of X chromosome gene expression within specific contexts, including tissue-specific expression. We propose multiple possible mechanisms of action for the effect, including a role of Males absent on the first, a component of the dosage compensation complex, as a dampener of gene expression variance in both males and females. This effect could explain why the Drosophila X chromosome is depauperate in genes with tissue-specific or induced expression, while the mammalian X has an excess of genes with tissue-specific expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard P Meisel
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, 3455 Cullen Blvd, Houston, TX 77204-5001, USA
| | - Danial Asgari
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, 3455 Cullen Blvd, Houston, TX 77204-5001, USA
| | - Florencia Schlamp
- Department of Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, 435 E 30th St, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Robert L Unckless
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, 4055 Haworth Hall, 1200 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
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5
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Majane AC, Cridland JM, Begun DJ. Single-nucleus transcriptomes reveal evolutionary and functional properties of cell types in the Drosophila accessory gland. Genetics 2022; 220:iyab213. [PMID: 34849871 PMCID: PMC9097260 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyab213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Many traits responsible for male reproduction evolve quickly, including gene expression phenotypes in germline and somatic male reproductive tissues. Rapid male evolution in polyandrous species is thought to be driven by competition among males for fertilizations and conflicts between male and female fitness interests that manifest in postcopulatory phenotypes. In Drosophila, seminal fluid proteins secreted by three major cell types of the male accessory gland and ejaculatory duct are required for female sperm storage and use, and influence female postcopulatory traits. Recent work has shown that these cell types have overlapping but distinct effects on female postcopulatory biology, yet relatively little is known about their evolutionary properties. Here, we use single-nucleus RNA-Seq of the accessory gland and ejaculatory duct from Drosophila melanogaster and two closely related species to comprehensively describe the cell diversity of these tissues and their transcriptome evolution for the first time. We find that seminal fluid transcripts are strongly partitioned across the major cell types, and expression of many other genes additionally defines each cell type. We also report previously undocumented diversity in main cells. Transcriptome divergence was found to be heterogeneous across cell types and lineages, revealing a complex evolutionary process. Furthermore, protein adaptation varied across cell types, with potential consequences for our understanding of selection on male postcopulatory traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex C Majane
- Department of Evolution and Ecology, University of California – Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Julie M Cridland
- Department of Evolution and Ecology, University of California – Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - David J Begun
- Department of Evolution and Ecology, University of California – Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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6
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Singh RS, Singh KK, Singh SM. Origin of Sex-Biased Mental Disorders: An Evolutionary Perspective. J Mol Evol 2021; 89:195-213. [PMID: 33630117 PMCID: PMC8116267 DOI: 10.1007/s00239-021-09999-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Sexual dimorphism or sex bias in diseases and mental disorders have two biological causes: sexual selection and sex hormones. We review the role of sexual selection theory and bring together decades of molecular studies on the variation and evolution of sex-biased genes and provide a theoretical basis for the causes of sex bias in disease and health. We present a Sexual Selection-Sex Hormone theory and show that male-driven evolution, including sexual selection, leads to: (1) increased male vulnerability due to negative pleiotropic effects associated with male-driven sexual selection and evolution; (2) increased rates of male-driven mutations and epimutations in response to early fitness gains and at the cost of late fitness; and (3) enhanced female immunity due to antagonistic responses to mutations that are beneficial to males but harmful to females, reducing female vulnerability to diseases and increasing the thresholds for disorders such as autism. Female-driven evolution, such as reproduction-related fluctuation in female sex hormones in association with stress and social condition, has been shown to be associated with increased risk of certain mental disorders such as major depression disorder in women. Bodies have history, cells have memories. An evolutionary framework, such as the Sexual Selection–Sex Hormone theory, provides a historical perspective for understanding how the differences in the sex-biased diseases and mental disorders have evolved over time. It has the potential to direct the development of novel preventive and treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rama S Singh
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada.
| | - Karun K Singh
- Stem Cell and Cancer Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada.,Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Shiva M Singh
- Department of Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
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7
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Wigby S, Brown NC, Allen SE, Misra S, Sitnik JL, Sepil I, Clark AG, Wolfner MF. The Drosophila seminal proteome and its role in postcopulatory sexual selection. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2020; 375:20200072. [PMID: 33070726 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2020.0072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Postcopulatory sexual selection (PCSS), comprised of sperm competition and cryptic female choice, has emerged as a widespread evolutionary force among polyandrous animals. There is abundant evidence that PCSS can shape the evolution of sperm. However, sperm are not the whole story: they are accompanied by seminal fluid substances that play many roles, including influencing PCSS. Foremost among seminal fluid models is Drosophila melanogaster, which displays ubiquitous polyandry, and exhibits intraspecific variation in a number of seminal fluid proteins (Sfps) that appear to modulate paternity share. Here, we first consolidate current information on the identities of D. melanogaster Sfps. Comparing between D. melanogaster and human seminal proteomes, we find evidence of similarities between many protein classes and individual proteins, including some D. melanogaster Sfp genes linked to PCSS, suggesting evolutionary conservation of broad-scale functions. We then review experimental evidence for the functions of D. melanogaster Sfps in PCSS and sexual conflict. We identify gaps in our current knowledge and areas for future research, including an enhanced identification of PCSS-related Sfps, their interactions with rival sperm and with females, the role of qualitative changes in Sfps and mechanisms of ejaculate tailoring. This article is part of the theme issue 'Fifty years of sperm competition'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart Wigby
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK.,Faculty Biology, Applied Zoology, Technische Universität Dresden, 01069 Dresden, Germany
| | - Nora C Brown
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Sarah E Allen
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Snigdha Misra
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Jessica L Sitnik
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Irem Sepil
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PS, UK
| | - Andrew G Clark
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Mariana F Wolfner
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
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8
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BMP signaling inhibition in Drosophila secondary cells remodels the seminal proteome and self and rival ejaculate functions. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:24719-24728. [PMID: 31740617 PMCID: PMC6900634 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1914491116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Seminal fluid proteins (SFPs) exert potent effects on male and female fitness. Rapidly evolving and molecularly diverse, they derive from multiple male secretory cells and tissues. In Drosophila melanogaster, most SFPs are produced in the accessory glands, which are composed of ∼1,000 fertility-enhancing "main cells" and ∼40 more functionally cryptic "secondary cells." Inhibition of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling in secondary cells suppresses secretion, leading to a unique uncoupling of normal female postmating responses to the ejaculate: refractoriness stimulation is impaired, but offspring production is not. Secondary-cell secretions might therefore make highly specific contributions to the seminal proteome and ejaculate function; alternatively, they might regulate more global-but hitherto undiscovered-SFP functions and proteome composition. Here, we present data that support the latter model. We show that in addition to previously reported phenotypes, secondary-cell-specific BMP signaling inhibition compromises sperm storage and increases female sperm use efficiency. It also impacts second male sperm, tending to slow entry into storage and delay ejection. First male paternity is enhanced, which suggests a constraint on ejaculate evolution whereby high female refractoriness and sperm competitiveness are mutually exclusive. Using quantitative proteomics, we reveal changes to the seminal proteome that surprisingly encompass alterations to main-cell-derived proteins, indicating important cross-talk between classes of SFP-secreting cells. Our results demonstrate that ejaculate composition and function emerge from the integrated action of multiple secretory cell types, suggesting that modification to the cellular make-up of seminal-fluid-producing tissues is an important factor in ejaculate evolution.
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9
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Delventhal R, O'Connor RM, Pantalia MM, Ulgherait M, Kim HX, Basturk MK, Canman JC, Shirasu-Hiza M. Dissection of central clock function in Drosophila through cell-specific CRISPR-mediated clock gene disruption. eLife 2019; 8:48308. [PMID: 31613218 PMCID: PMC6794090 DOI: 10.7554/elife.48308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In Drosophila, ~150 neurons expressing molecular clock proteins regulate circadian behavior. Sixteen of these neurons secrete the neuropeptide Pdf and have been called ‘master pacemakers’ because they are essential for circadian rhythms. A subset of Pdf+ neurons (the morning oscillator) regulates morning activity and communicates with other non-Pdf+ neurons, including a subset called the evening oscillator. It has been assumed that the molecular clock in Pdf+ neurons is required for these functions. To test this, we developed and validated Gal4-UAS based CRISPR tools for cell-specific disruption of key molecular clock components, period and timeless. While loss of the molecular clock in both the morning and evening oscillators eliminates circadian locomotor activity, the molecular clock in either oscillator alone is sufficient to rescue circadian locomotor activity in the absence of the other. This suggests that clock neurons do not act in a hierarchy but as a distributed network to regulate circadian activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Delventhal
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, United States
| | - Reed M O'Connor
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, United States
| | - Meghan M Pantalia
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, United States
| | - Matthew Ulgherait
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, United States
| | - Han X Kim
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, United States
| | - Maylis K Basturk
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, United States
| | - Julie C Canman
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, United States
| | - Mimi Shirasu-Hiza
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, United States
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10
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy L Karr
- From the Center for Mechanisms of Evolution, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona.
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11
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Pugacheva V, Korotkov A, Korotkov E. Search of latent periodicity in amino acid sequences by means of genetic algorithm and dynamic programming. Stat Appl Genet Mol Biol 2017; 15:381-400. [PMID: 27337743 DOI: 10.1515/sagmb-2015-0079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to show that amino acid sequences have a latent periodicity with insertions and deletions of amino acids in unknown positions of the analyzed sequence. Genetic algorithm, dynamic programming and random weight matrices were used to develop a new mathematical algorithm for latent periodicity search. A multiple alignment of periods was calculated with help of the direct optimization of the position-weight matrix without using pairwise alignments. The developed algorithm was applied to analyze amino acid sequences of a small number of proteins. This study showed the presence of latent periodicity with insertions and deletions in the amino acid sequences of such proteins, for which the presence of latent periodicity was not previously known. The origin of latent periodicity with insertions and deletions is discussed.
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12
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Al-Wathiqui N, Dopman EB, Lewis SM. Postmating transcriptional changes in the female reproductive tract of the European corn borer moth. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2016; 25:629-645. [PMID: 27329655 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Mating triggers a cascade of physiological and behavioural responses in females that persist after copulation. In insects, seminal fluid proteins contained within male ejaculates are known to initiate some responses, but our understanding of how females mediate these reactions remains limited. Few studies have examined postmating transcriptional changes within ejaculate-receiving organs within females or how these changes might depend on the identity of the male. Furthermore, whereas males of many insects transfer packaged ejaculates, transcriptional dynamics have mainly been examined in dipterans, in which males transfer a free ejaculate. To identify genes that may be important in mediating female physiological responses in a spermatophore-producing species, we sequenced the transcriptomes of the ejaculate-receiving organs and examined postmating gene expression within and between pheromone strains of the European corn borer (ECB) moth, Ostrinia nubilalis. After within-strain mating, significant differential expression of 978 transcripts occurred in the female bursa or its associated bursal gland, including peptidases, transmembrane transporters, and hormone processing genes; such genes may potentially play a role in postmating male-female interactions. We also identified 14 transcripts from the bursal gland that were differentially expressed after females mated with cross-strain males, representing candidates for previously observed postmating reproductive isolation between ECB strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Al-Wathiqui
- Department of Biology, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | - E B Dopman
- Department of Biology, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | - S M Lewis
- Department of Biology, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
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13
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Serpins in arthropod biology. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2016; 62:105-119. [PMID: 27603121 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2016.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2016] [Revised: 08/31/2016] [Accepted: 09/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Serpins are the largest known family of serine proteinase inhibitors and perform a variety of physiological functions in arthropods. Herein, we review the field of serpins in arthropod biology, providing an overview of current knowledge and topics of interest. Serpins regulate insect innate immunity via inhibition of serine proteinase cascades that initiate immune responses such as melanization and antimicrobial peptide production. In addition, several serpins with anti-pathogen activity are expressed as acute-phase serpins in insects upon infection. Parasitoid wasps can downregulate host serpin expression to modulate the host immune system. In addition, examples of serpin activity in development and reproduction in Drosophila have also been discovered. Serpins also function in host-pathogen interactions beyond immunity as constituents of venom in parasitoid wasps and saliva of blood-feeding ticks and mosquitoes. These serpins have distinct effects on immunosuppression and anticoagulation and are of interest for vaccine development. Lastly, the known structures of arthropod serpins are discussed, which represent the serpin inhibitory mechanism and provide a detailed overview of the process.
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14
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Proteome profiling reveals tissue-specific protein expression in male and female accessory glands of the silkworm, Bombyx mori. Amino Acids 2016; 48:1173-83. [DOI: 10.1007/s00726-015-2141-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2015] [Accepted: 11/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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15
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Bonilla ML, Todd C, Erlandson M, Andres J. Combining RNA-seq and proteomic profiling to identify seminal fluid proteins in the migratory grasshopper Melanoplus sanguinipes (F). BMC Genomics 2015; 16:1096. [PMID: 26694822 PMCID: PMC4689059 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-015-2327-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2015] [Accepted: 12/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Seminal fluid proteins control many aspects of fertilization and in turn, they play a key role in post-mating sexual selection and possibly reproductive isolation. Because effective proteome profiling relies on the availability of high-quality DNA reference databases, our knowledge of these proteins is still largely limited to model organisms with ample genetic resources. New advances in sequencing technology allow for the rapid characterization of transcriptomes at low cost. By combining high throughput RNA-seq and shotgun proteomic profiling, we have characterized the seminal fluid proteins secreted by the primary male accessory gland of the migratory grasshopper (Melanoplus sanguinipes), one of the main agricultural pests in central North America. RESULTS Using RNA sequencing, we characterized the transcripts of ~ 8,100 genes expressed in the long hyaline tubules (LHT) of the accessory glands. Proteomic profiling identified 353 proteins expressed in the long hyaline tubules (LHT). Of special interest are seminal fluid proteins (SFPs), such as EJAC-SP, ACE and prostaglandin synthetases, which are known to regulate female oviposition in insects. CONCLUSIONS Our study provides new insights into the proteomic components of male ejaculate in Orthopterans, and highlights several important patterns. First, the presence of proteins that lack predicted classical secretory tags in accessory gland proteomes is common in male accessory glands. Second, the products of a few highly expressed genes dominate the accessory gland secretions. Third, accessory gland transcriptomes are enriched for novel transcripts. Fourth, there is conservation of SFPs' functional classes across distantly related taxonomic groups with very different life histories, mating systems and sperm transferring mechanisms. The identified SFPs may serve as targets of future efforts to develop species- specific genetic control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha L Bonilla
- Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, A.237. Palmira, Valle del Cauca, Colombia.
- Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, 112 Science Pl., Saskatoon, SK, S7N-5E2, Canada.
| | - Christopher Todd
- Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, 112 Science Pl., Saskatoon, SK, S7N-5E2, Canada.
| | - Martin Erlandson
- Saskatoon Research Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 107 Science Pl., Saskatoon, SK, S7N-0X2, Canada.
| | - Jose Andres
- Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, 112 Science Pl., Saskatoon, SK, S7N-5E2, Canada.
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Maroja LS, Larson EL, Bogdanowicz SM, Harrison RG. Genes with Restricted Introgression in a Field Cricket (Gryllus firmus/Gryllus pennsylvanicus) Hybrid Zone Are Concentrated on the X Chromosome and a Single Autosome. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2015; 5:2219-27. [PMID: 26311650 PMCID: PMC4632042 DOI: 10.1534/g3.115.021246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2015] [Accepted: 08/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Characterizing the extent of genomic differentiation between recently diverged lineages provides an important context for understanding the early stages of speciation. When such lineages form discrete hybrid zones, patterns of differential introgression allow direct estimates of which genome regions are likely involved in speciation and local adaptation. Here we use a backcross experimental design to construct a genetic linkage map for the field crickets Gryllus firmus and Gryllus pennsylvanicus, which interact in a well-characterized hybrid zone in eastern North America. We demonstrate that loci with major allele frequency differences between allopatric populations are not randomly distributed across the genome. Instead, most are either X-linked or map to a few small autosomal regions. Furthermore, the subset of those highly differentiated markers that exhibit restricted introgression across the cricket hybrid zone are also concentrated on the X chromosome (39 of 50 loci) and in a single 7-cM region of one autosome. Although the accumulation on the sex chromosome of genes responsible for postzygotic barriers is a well-known phenomenon, less attention has been given to the genomic distribution of genes responsible for prezygotic barriers. We discuss the implications of our results for speciation, both in the context of the role of sex chromosomes and also with respect to the likely causes of heterogeneous genomic divergence. Although we do not yet have direct evidence for the accumulation of ecological, behavioral, or fertilization prezygotic barrier genes on the X chromosome, faster-X evolution could make these barriers more likely to be X-linked.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luana S Maroja
- Department of Biology, Williams College, Williamstown, Massachusetts 01267
| | - Erica L Larson
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana 59812
| | - Steven M Bogdanowicz
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853
| | - Richard G Harrison
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853
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Gene Model Annotations for Drosophila melanogaster: Impact of High-Throughput Data. G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS 2015; 5:1721-36. [PMID: 26109357 PMCID: PMC4528329 DOI: 10.1534/g3.115.018929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
We report the current status of the FlyBase annotated gene set for Drosophila melanogaster and highlight improvements based on high-throughput data. The FlyBase annotated gene set consists entirely of manually annotated gene models, with the exception of some classes of small non-coding RNAs. All gene models have been reviewed using evidence from high-throughput datasets, primarily from the modENCODE project. These datasets include RNA-Seq coverage data, RNA-Seq junction data, transcription start site profiles, and translation stop-codon read-through predictions. New annotation guidelines were developed to take into account the use of the high-throughput data. We describe how this flood of new data was incorporated into thousands of new and revised annotations. FlyBase has adopted a philosophy of excluding low-confidence and low-frequency data from gene model annotations; we also do not attempt to represent all possible permutations for complex and modularly organized genes. This has allowed us to produce a high-confidence, manageable gene annotation dataset that is available at FlyBase (http://flybase.org). Interesting aspects of new annotations include new genes (coding, non-coding, and antisense), many genes with alternative transcripts with very long 3′ UTRs (up to 15–18 kb), and a stunning mismatch in the number of male-specific genes (approximately 13% of all annotated gene models) vs. female-specific genes (less than 1%). The number of identified pseudogenes and mutations in the sequenced strain also increased significantly. We discuss remaining challenges, for instance, identification of functional small polypeptides and detection of alternative translation starts.
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Tan AWL, Francischetti IMB, Slovak M, Kini RM, Ribeiro JMC. Sexual differences in the sialomes of the zebra tick, Rhipicephalus pulchellus. J Proteomics 2015; 117:120-44. [PMID: 25576852 PMCID: PMC4374903 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2014.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2014] [Revised: 12/18/2014] [Accepted: 12/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Ticks rely exclusively on vertebrate blood for their survival. During feeding ticks inject into their hosts a sophisticated salivary potion that overcomes host hemostasis and adverse inflammatory responses. These mediators may also enhance pathogen transmission. Knowledge of the tick salivary protein repertoire may lead to vaccine targets to disrupt feeding and/or parasite transmission as well as to the discovery of novel pharmacological agents. Male saliva may also assist reproduction because males use their mouthparts to lubricate and introduce their spermatophores into the females' genital pore. The analyses of the sialomes of male and female ticks independently allow us to understand the strategy used by each gender to feed successfully. We sequenced cDNA libraries from pools of salivary glands from adult male and female Rhipicephalus pulchellus feeding at different time points, using the Illumina HiSeq protocol. De novo assembly of a total of 241,229,128 paired-end reads lead to extraction of 50,460 coding sequences (CDS), 11,277 of which had more than 75% coverage to known transcripts, or represented novel sequences, and were submitted to GenBank. Additionally, we generated the proteome, from the salivary gland extracts of male and female R. pulchellus, yielding a total of 454 and 2063 proteins respectively which were identified by one or more peptides with at least 95% confidence. The data set is presented as an annotated hyperlinked Excel spreadsheet, describing 121 putative secreted protein families. Female and male specific transcripts were identified. BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE This annotated R. pulchellus database represents a mining field for future experiments involving the resolution of time-dependent transcript expression in this tick species, as well as to define novel vaccine targets and discover novel pharmaceuticals. Gender specific proteins may represent different repertoires of pharmacological reagents to assist feeding by each sex, and in males may represent proteins that assist reproduction similarly to seminal proteins in other animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelina W L Tan
- NUS Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117456, Singapore; Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543, Singapore.
| | - Ivo M B Francischetti
- Vector Biology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville MD 20852, USA.
| | - Mirko Slovak
- Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 842 06 Bratislava, Slovakia.
| | - R Manjunatha Kini
- NUS Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117456, Singapore; Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543, Singapore; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298-0614, USA; University of South Australia, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia.
| | - José M C Ribeiro
- Vector Biology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville MD 20852, USA.
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A novel function for the Hox gene Abd-B in the male accessory gland regulates the long-term female post-mating response in Drosophila. PLoS Genet 2013; 9:e1003395. [PMID: 23555301 PMCID: PMC3610936 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1003395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2012] [Accepted: 02/01/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In insects, products of the male reproductive tract are essential for initiating and maintaining the female post-mating response (PMR). The PMR includes changes in egg laying, receptivity to courting males, and sperm storage. In Drosophila, previous studies have determined that the main cells of the male accessory gland produce some of the products required for these processes. However, nothing was known about the contribution of the gland's other secretory cell type, the secondary cells. In the course of investigating the late functions of the homeotic gene, Abdominal-B (Abd-B), we discovered that Abd-B is specifically expressed in the secondary cells of the Drosophila male accessory gland. Using an Abd-B BAC reporter coupled with a collection of genetic deletions, we discovered an enhancer from the iab-6 regulatory domain that is responsible for Abd-B expression in these cells and that apparently works independently from the segmentally regulated chromatin domains of the bithorax complex. Removal of this enhancer results in visible morphological defects in the secondary cells. We determined that mates of iab-6 mutant males show defects in long-term egg laying and suppression of receptivity, and that products of the secondary cells are influential during sperm competition. Many of these phenotypes seem to be caused by a defect in the storage and gradual release of sex peptide in female mates of iab-6 mutant males. We also found that Abd-B expression in the secondary cells contributes to glycosylation of at least three accessory gland proteins: ovulin (Acp26Aa), CG1656, and CG1652. Our results demonstrate that long-term post-mating changes observed in mated females are not solely induced by main cell secretions, as previously believed, but that secondary cells also play an important role in male fertility by extending the female PMR. Overall, these discoveries provide new insights into how these two cell types cooperate to produce and maintain a robust female PMR.
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Sex and speciation: Drosophila reproductive tract proteins- twenty five years later. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY 2012; 2012:191495. [PMID: 23119225 PMCID: PMC3483712 DOI: 10.1155/2012/191495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2012] [Accepted: 09/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The protein electrophoresis revolution, nearly fifty years ago, provided the first glimpse into the nature of molecular genetic variation within and between species and showed that the amount of genetic differences between newly arisen species was minimal. Twenty years later, 2D electrophoresis showed that, in contrast to general gene-enzyme variation, reproductive tract proteins were less polymorphic within species but highly diverged between species. The 2D results were interesting and revolutionary, but somewhat uninterpretable because, at the time, rapid evolution and selective sweeps were not yet part of the common vocabulary of evolutionary biologists. Since then, genomic studies of sex and reproduction-related (SRR) genes have grown rapidly into a large area of research in evolutionary biology and are shedding light on a number of phenomena. Here we review some of the major and current fields of research that have greatly contributed to our understanding of the evolutionary dynamics and importance of SRR genes and genetic systems in understanding reproductive biology and speciation.
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Meiklejohn CD, Presgraves DC. Little evidence for demasculinization of the Drosophila X chromosome among genes expressed in the male germline. Genome Biol Evol 2012; 4:1007-16. [PMID: 22975718 PMCID: PMC3490416 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evs077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Male-biased genes—those expressed at higher levels in males than in females—are underrepresented on the X chromosome of Drosophila melanogaster. Several evolutionary models have been posited to explain this so-called demasculinization of the X. Here, we show that the apparent paucity of male-biased genes on the X chromosome is attributable to global X-autosome differences in expression in Drosophila testes, owing to a lack of sex chromosome dosage compensation in the male germline, but not to any difference in the density of testis-specific or testis-biased genes on the X chromosome. First, using genome-wide gene expression data from 20 tissues, we find no evidence that genes with testis-specific expression are underrepresented on the X chromosome. Second, using contrasts in gene expression profiles among pairs of tissues, we recover a statistical underrepresentation of testis-biased genes on the X but find that the pattern largely disappears once we account for the lack of dosage compensation in the Drosophila male germline. Third, we find that computationally “demasculinizing” the autosomes is not sufficient to produce an expression profile similar to that of the X chromosome in the testes. Our findings thus show that the lack of sex chromosome dosage compensation in Drosophila testes can explain the apparent signal of demasculinization on the X, whereas evolutionary demasculinization of the X cannot explain its overall reduced expression in the testes.
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Smith DT, Sirot LK, Wolfner MF, Hosken DJ, Wedell N. The consequences of genetic variation in sex peptide expression levels for egg laying and retention in females. Heredity (Edinb) 2012; 109:222-5. [PMID: 22692269 DOI: 10.1038/hdy.2012.32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The accessory gland proteins (Acps) that male Drosophila melanogaster produce and transfer to females during copulation are key to male and female fitness. One Acp, the sex peptide (SP), is largely responsible for a dramatic increase in female egg laying and decrease in female receptivity after copulation. While genetic variation in male SP expression levels correlate with refractory period duration in females, it is unknown whether male SP expression influences female egg laying or if any effect of SP is mediated by SP retention in the female reproductive tract. Here we measured the amount of SP retained in the female reproductive tract after mating and female egg laying after copulating with virgin males. We found no correlation between male SP expression levels and egg laying, or the amount of SP in the female reproductive tract after mating. Additionally, the amount of SP retained in the female did not influence egg laying. These finding suggests that additional factors, such as variation in other Acps, are important for the retention of SP in females and its quantitative effects on egg laying. It also shows that egg laying and refractory period response to SP is at least partially uncoupled.
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Affiliation(s)
- D T Smith
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, Biosciences, College of Life & Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall, UK
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23
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Meisel RP, Malone JH, Clark AG. Disentangling the relationship between sex-biased gene expression and X-linkage. Genome Res 2012; 22:1255-65. [PMID: 22499666 PMCID: PMC3396367 DOI: 10.1101/gr.132100.111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
X chromosomes are preferentially transmitted through females, which may favor the accumulation of X-linked alleles/genes with female-beneficial effects. Numerous studies have shown that genes with sex-biased expression are under- or over-represented on the X chromosomes of a wide variety of organisms. The patterns, however, vary between different animal species, and the causes of these differences are unresolved. Additionally, genes with sex-biased expression tend to be narrowly expressed in a limited number of tissues, and narrowly expressed genes are also non-randomly X-linked in a taxon-specific manner. It is therefore unclear whether the unique gene content of the X chromosome is the result of selection on genes with sex-biased expression, narrowly expressed genes, or some combination of the two. To address this problem, we measured sex-biased expression in multiple Drosophila species and at different developmental time points. These data were combined with available expression measurements from Drosophila melanogaster and mouse to reconcile the inconsistencies in X-chromosome content among taxa. Our results suggest that most of the differences between Drosophila and mammals are confounded by disparate data collection/analysis approaches as well as the correlation between sex bias and expression breadth. Both the Drosophila and mouse X chromosomes harbor an excess of genes with female-biased expression after controlling for the confounding factors, suggesting that the asymmetrical transmission of the X chromosome favors the accumulation of female-beneficial mutations in X-linked genes. However, some taxon-specific patterns remain, and we provide evidence that these are in part a consequence of constraints imposed by the dosage compensation mechanism in Drosophila.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard P Meisel
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA.
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Spn1 regulates the GNBP3-dependent Toll signaling pathway in Drosophila melanogaster. Mol Cell Biol 2011; 31:2960-72. [PMID: 21576362 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.01397-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The Drosophila genome encodes 29 serpins, most of unknown function. We show here that Spn1 is an active protease inhibitor of the serpin superfamily. Spn1 inhibits trypsin in vitro and regulates the Toll-mediated immune response in vivo. Expression of the Toll-dependent transcripts Drosomycin and IM1 is increased in Spn1 null mutants. Overexpression of Spn1 reduces the induction of Drosomycin upon immune challenge with fungi but not Gram-positive bacteria. Similar reductions in Drosomycin levels are observed in the psh, spz, and grass mutants of the Toll signaling pathway. These results support a role of Spn1 as a repressor of Toll activation upon fungal infection. Epistatic analysis places Spn1 upstream of Spätzle processing enzyme and Grass, in the fungal cell wall-activated side branch of the pathway. Overexpression of the pattern recognition receptor GNBP3 activates the β-1,3-glucan-sensitive side branch of the Toll pathway. The resultant increased Drosomycin level is reduced by concomitant overexpression of Spn1, confirming that Spn1 regulates the fungal cell wall side branch. Spn1 null mutants show altered susceptibility to fungal infection compared to the wild type, demonstrating a requirement for Spn1 in the fine regulation of the immune response.
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Dottorini T, Senin N, Mazzoleni G, Magnusson K, Crisanti A. Gepoclu: a software tool for identifying and analyzing gene positional clusters in large-scale gene expression analysis. BMC Bioinformatics 2011; 12:34. [PMID: 21269436 PMCID: PMC3040130 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2105-12-34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2010] [Accepted: 01/26/2011] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The notion that genes are non-randomly organized within the chromosomes of eukaryotic organisms has recently received strong experimental support. Clusters of co-expressed and co-localized genes have been recognized as playing key roles in a number of functional pathways and adaptive responses including organism development, differentiation, disease states and aging. The identification of genes arranged in close proximity with each other within a particular temporal and spatial transcriptional program is anticipated to unravel possible functional links and reciprocal interactions. Results We developed a novel software tool Gepoclu (Gene Positional Clustering) that automatically selects genes based on expression values from multiple sources, including microarray, EST and qRT-PCR, and performs positional clustering. Gepoclu provides expression-based gene selection from multiple experimental sources, position-based gene clustering and cluster visualization functionalities, all as parts of the same fully integrated, and interactive, package. This means rapid iterations while exploring for emergent behavior, and full programmability of the filtering and clustering steps. Conclusions Gepoclu is a useful data-mining tool for exploring relationships among transcriptional data deriving form different sources. It provides an easy interactive environment for analyzing positional clustering behavior of co-expressed genes, and at the same time it is fully programmable, so that it can be customized and extended to support specific analysis needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Dottorini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, via del Giochetto, Perugia 06100, Italy
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Fedorka KM, Winterhalter WE, Ware B. PERCEIVED SPERM COMPETITION INTENSITY INFLUENCES SEMINAL FLUID PROTEIN PRODUCTION PRIOR TO COURTSHIP AND MATING. Evolution 2010; 65:584-90. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1558-5646.2010.01141.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Mating alters gene expression patterns in Drosophila melanogaster male heads. BMC Genomics 2010; 11:558. [PMID: 20937114 PMCID: PMC3091707 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-11-558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2010] [Accepted: 10/11/2010] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Behavior is a complex process resulting from the integration of genetic and environmental information. Drosophila melanogaster rely on multiple sensory modalities for reproductive success, and mating causes physiological changes in both sexes that affect reproductive output or behavior. Some of these effects are likely mediated by changes in gene expression. Courtship and mating alter female transcript profiles, but it is not known how mating affects male gene expression. Results We used Drosophila genome arrays to identify changes in gene expression profiles that occur in mated male heads. Forty-seven genes differed between mated and control heads 2 hrs post mating. Many mating-responsive genes are highly expressed in non-neural head tissues, including an adipose tissue called the fat body. One fat body-enriched gene, female-specific independent of transformer (fit), is a downstream target of the somatic sex-determination hierarchy, a genetic pathway that regulates Drosophila reproductive behaviors as well as expression of some fat-expressed genes; three other mating-responsive loci are also downstream components of this pathway. Another mating-responsive gene expressed in fat, Juvenile hormone esterase (Jhe), is necessary for robust male courtship behavior and mating success. Conclusions Our study demonstrates that mating causes changes in male head gene expression profiles and supports an increasing body of work implicating adipose signaling in behavior modulation. Since several mating-induced genes are sex-determination hierarchy target genes, additional mating-responsive loci may be downstream components of this pathway as well.
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Sousa-Neves R, Rosas A. An analysis of genetic changes during the divergence of Drosophila species. PLoS One 2010; 5:e10485. [PMID: 20463966 PMCID: PMC2864749 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0010485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2009] [Accepted: 04/06/2010] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background It has been long appreciated that speciation involves changes in body plans and establishes genetic, reproductive, developmental and behavioral incompatibilities between populations. However, little is still known about the genetic components involved in these changes or the sequence and scale of events that lead to the differentiation of species. Principal Findings In this paper, we investigated the genetic changes in three closely related species of Drosophila by making pair-wise comparisons of their genomes. We focused our analysis on the modern relatives of the alleles likely to be segregating in pre-historic populations at the time or after the ancestor of D. simulans became separated from the ancestor of D. melanogaster. Some of these genes were previously implicated in the genetics of reproduction and behavior while the biological functions of others are not yet clear. Conclusions Together these results identify different classes of genes that might have participated in the beginning of segregation of these species millions of years ago in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Sousa-Neves
- Department of Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America.
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29
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Findlay GD, Swanson WJ. Proteomics enhances evolutionary and functional analysis of reproductive proteins. Bioessays 2010; 32:26-36. [PMID: 20020477 DOI: 10.1002/bies.200900127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Reproductive proteins maintain species-specific barriers to fertilization, affect the outcome of sperm competition, mediate reproductive conflicts between the sexes, and potentially contribute to the formation of new species. However, the specific proteins and molecular mechanisms that underlie these processes are understood in only a handful of cases. Advances in genomic and proteomic technologies enable the identification of large suites of reproductive proteins, making it possible to dissect reproductive phenotypes at the molecular level. We first review these technological advances and describe how reproductive proteins are identified in diverse animal taxa. We then discuss the dynamic evolution of reproductive proteins and the potential selective forces that act on them. Finally, we describe molecular and genomic tools for functional analysis and detail how evolutionary data may be used to make predictions about interactions among reproductive proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey D Findlay
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, 98195-5065, USA.
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30
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Abstract
The intriguing composition and function of mating plugs formed when mosquites mate provides a new understanding of the reproductive biology of this important pest and a window through which to view evolution in action.
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31
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Findlay GD, MacCoss MJ, Swanson WJ. Proteomic discovery of previously unannotated, rapidly evolving seminal fluid genes in Drosophila. Genome Res 2009; 19:886-96. [PMID: 19411605 DOI: 10.1101/gr.089391.108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
As genomic sequences become easier to acquire, shotgun proteomics will play an increasingly important role in genome annotation. With proteomics, researchers can confirm and revise existing genome annotations and discover completely new genes. Proteomic-based de novo gene discovery should be especially useful for sets of genes with characteristics that make them difficult to predict with gene-finding algorithms. Here, we report the proteomic discovery of 19 previously unannotated genes encoding seminal fluid proteins (Sfps) that are transferred from males to females during mating in Drosophila. Using bioinformatics, we detected putative orthologs of these genes, as well as 19 others detected by the same method in a previous study, across several related species. Gene expression analysis revealed that nearly all predicted orthologs are transcribed and that most are expressed in a male-specific or male-biased manner. We suggest several reasons why these genes escaped computational prediction. Like annotated Sfps, many of these new proteins show a pattern of adaptive evolution, consistent with their potential role in influencing male sperm competitive ability. However, in contrast to annotated Sfps, these new genes are shorter, have a higher rate of nonsynonymous substitution, and have a markedly lower GC content in coding regions. Our data demonstrate the utility of applying proteomic gene discovery methods to a specific biological process and provide a more complete picture of the molecules that are critical to reproductive success in Drosophila.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey D Findlay
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-5065, USA.
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32
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Rafaeli A. Pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide (PBAN): regulatory role and mode of action. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2009; 162:69-78. [PMID: 18495120 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2008.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2008] [Revised: 04/02/2008] [Accepted: 04/14/2008] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
This review focuses on the endocrine regulation of reproductive behavior in moth species with particular emphasis on Helicoverpa spp. Reproductive behavior in most adult moths is dependent on the release of a unique blend of sex pheromones by the females to attract conspecific males. Mating, on the other hand, results in a loss of sexual receptivity due to the transfer of secretions from the male accessory glands, which renders females unattractive to ensuing mates. Synchronization of sexual behavior is attained by the timely release of Pheromone-Biosynthesis-Activating Neuropeptide (PBAN), a member of the PBAN/Pyrokinin neuropeptide family, characterized by a common amino acid sequence FXPRLamide motif in the C-terminus. PBAN is released into the hemolymph of females during the scotophase and is drastically reduced after mating, contributing to the loss in female receptivity. Pheromone production is age-dependent and Juvenile Hormone is involved in its regulation. PBAN activates pheromone production through its binding to a PBAN-Receptor (PBAN-R) and subsequent up-regulation of key enzymes in the biosynthetic pathway. The PBAN-R gene was identified as a member of the G-protein coupled receptor family (GPCRs), classified with the vertebrate subfamily of neuromedin U receptors. Using both biochemical and in silico mutagenesis studies, putative binding sites are predicted. Differential expression studies reveal its localization in pheromone glands, neural tissues and the male aedeagus. In the latter tissue, no activity and/or receptor-binding can be detected in response to PBAN. These results raise many questions concerning the evolutionary role of the PBAN/Pyrokinin receptors belonging to the GPCR family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ada Rafaeli
- Agriculture Research Organization, Volcani Center, P.O. Box 6, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel.
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Findlay GD, Yi X, Maccoss MJ, Swanson WJ. Proteomics reveals novel Drosophila seminal fluid proteins transferred at mating. PLoS Biol 2008; 6:e178. [PMID: 18666829 PMCID: PMC2486302 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.0060178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 260] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2008] [Accepted: 06/13/2008] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Across diverse taxa, seminal fluid proteins (Sfps) transferred at mating affect the reproductive success of both sexes. Such reproductive proteins often evolve under positive selection between species; because of this rapid divergence, Sfps are hypothesized to play a role in speciation by contributing to reproductive isolation between populations. In Drosophila, individual Sfps have been characterized and are known to alter male sperm competitive ability and female post-mating behavior, but a proteomic-scale view of the transferred Sfps has been missing. Here we describe a novel proteomic method that uses whole-organism isotopic labeling to detect transferred Sfps in mated female D. melanogaster. We identified 63 proteins, which were previously unknown to function in reproduction, and confirmed the transfer of dozens of predicted Sfps. Relative quantification of protein abundance revealed that several of these novel Sfps are abundant in seminal fluid. Positive selection and tandem gene duplication are the prevailing forces of Sfp evolution, and comparative proteomics with additional species revealed lineage-specific changes in seminal fluid content. We also report a proteomic-based gene discovery method that uncovered 19 previously unannotated genes in D. melanogaster. Our results demonstrate an experimental method to identify transferred proteins in any system that is amenable to isotopic labeling, and they underscore the power of combining proteomic and evolutionary analyses to shed light on the complex process of Drosophila reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey D Findlay
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.
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34
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Abstract
The seminal fluid of males is a complex mixture of biologically potent molecules that shows high evolutionary lability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracey Chapman
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, Norfolk, United Kingdom.
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Walters JR, Harrison RG. EST analysis of male accessory glands from Heliconius butterflies with divergent mating systems. BMC Genomics 2008; 9:592. [PMID: 19063743 PMCID: PMC2621208 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-9-592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2008] [Accepted: 12/08/2008] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Heliconius butterflies possess a remarkable diversity of phenotypes, physiologies, and behaviors that has long distinguished this genus as a focal taxon in ecological and evolutionary research. Recently Heliconius has also emerged as a model system for using genomic methods to investigate the causes and consequences of biological diversity. One notable aspect of Heliconius diversity is a dichotomy in mating systems which provides an unusual opportunity to investigate the relationship between sexual selection and the evolution of reproductive proteins. As a first step in pursuing this research, we report the generation and analysis of expressed sequence tags (ESTs) from the male accessory gland of H. erato and H. melpomene, species representative of the two mating systems present in the genus Heliconius. Results We successfully sequenced 933 ESTs clustering into 371 unigenes from H. erato and 1033 ESTs clustering into 340 unigenes from H. melpomene. Results from the two species were very similar. Approximately a third of the unigenes showed no significant BLAST similarity (E-value <10-5) to sequences in GenBank's non-redundant databases, indicating that a large proportion of novel genes are expressed in Heliconius male accessory glands. In both species only a third of accessory gland unigenes were also found among genes expressed in wing tissue. About 25% of unigenes from both species encoded secreted proteins. This includes three groups of highly abundant unigenes encoding repetitive proteins considered to be candidate seminal fluid proteins; proteins encoded by one of these groups were detected in H. erato spermatophores. Conclusion This collection of ESTs will serve as the foundation for the future identification and evolutionary analysis of male reproductive proteins in Heliconius butterflies. These data also represent a significant advance in the rapidly growing collection of genomic resources available in Heliconius butterflies. As such, they substantially enhance this taxon as a model system for investigating questions of ecological, phenotypic, and genomic diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- James R Walters
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
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A role for Acp29AB, a predicted seminal fluid lectin, in female sperm storage in Drosophila melanogaster. Genetics 2008; 180:921-31. [PMID: 18757944 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.108.092106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Females of many animal species store sperm for taxon-specific periods of time, ranging from a few hours to years. Female sperm storage has important reproductive and evolutionary consequences, yet relatively little is known of its molecular basis. Here, we report the isolation of a loss-of-function mutation of the Drosophila melanogaster Acp29AB gene, which encodes a seminal fluid protein that is transferred from males to females during mating. Using this mutant, we show that Acp29AB is required for the normal maintenance of sperm in storage. Consistent with this role, Acp29AB localizes to female sperm storage organs following mating, although it does not appear to associate tightly with sperm. Acp29AB is a predicted lectin, suggesting that sugar-protein interactions may be important for D. melanogaster sperm storage, much as they are in many mammals. Previous association studies have found an effect of Acp29AB genotype on a male's sperm competitive ability; our findings suggest that effects on sperm storage may underlie these differences in sperm competition. Moreover, Acp29AB's effects on sperm storage and sperm competition may explain previously documented evidence for positive selection on the Acp29AB locus.
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Prokupek A, Hoffmann F, Eyun SI, Moriyama E, Zhou M, Harshman L. An evolutionary expressed sequence tag analysis of Drosophila spermatheca genes. Evolution 2008; 62:2936-47. [PMID: 18752616 DOI: 10.1111/j.1558-5646.2008.00493.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
This study investigates genes enriched for expression in the spermatheca, the long-term sperm storage organ (SSO) of female Drosophila. SSO genes are likely to play an important role in processes of sexual selection such as sperm competition and cryptic female choice. Although there is keen interest in the mechanisms of sexual selection at the molecular level, very little is known about the female genes that are involved. In the present study, a high proportion of genes enriched for expression in the spermatheca are evolving rapidly. Most of the rapidly evolving genes are proteases and genes of unknown function that could play a specialized role in the spermatheca. A high percentage of the rapidly evolving genes have secretion signals and thus could encode proteins that directly interact with ejaculate proteins and coevolve with them. In addition to identifying rapidly evolving genes, the present study documents categories of genes that could play a role in spermatheca function such as storing, maintaining, and utilizing sperm. In general, candidate genes discovered in this study could play a key role in sperm competition, cryptic female choice of sperm, and sexually antagonistic coevolution, and ultimately speciation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrianne Prokupek
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska 68588, USA.
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38
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Abstract
A large portion of the annotated genes in Drosophila melanogaster show sex-biased expression, indicating that sex and reproduction-related genes (SRR genes) represent an appreciable component of the genome. Previous studies, in which subsets of genes were compared among few Drosophila species, have found that SRR genes exhibit unusual evolutionary patterns. Here, we have used the newly released genome sequences from 12 Drosophila species, coupled to a larger set of SRR genes, to comprehensively test the generality of these patterns. Among 2505 SRR genes examined, including ESTs with biased expression in reproductive tissues and genes characterized as involved in gametogenesis, we find that a relatively high proportion of SRR genes have experienced accelerated divergence throughout the genus Drosophila. Several testis-specific genes, male seminal fluid proteins (SFPs), and spermatogenesis genes show lineage-specific bursts of accelerated evolution and positive selection. SFP genes also show evidence of lineage-specific gene loss and/or gain. These results bring us closer to understanding the details of the evolutionary dynamics of SRR genes with respect to species divergence.
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Dottorini T, Nicolaides L, Ranson H, Rogers DW, Crisanti A, Catteruccia F. A genome-wide analysis in Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes reveals 46 male accessory gland genes, possible modulators of female behavior. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2007; 104:16215-20. [PMID: 17901209 PMCID: PMC2042187 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0703904104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The male accessory glands (MAGs) of many insect species produce and secrete a number of reproductive proteins collectively named Acps. These proteins, many of which are rapidly evolving, are essential for male fertility and represent formidable modulators of female postmating behavior. Upon copulation, the transfer of Acps has been shown in Drosophila and other insects to trigger profound physiological and behavioral changes in females, including enhanced ovulation/oviposition and reduced mating receptivity. In Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes, the principal vectors of human malaria, experimental evidence clearly demonstrates a key role of MAG products in inducing female responses. However, no Acp has been experimentally identified to date in this or in any other mosquito species. In this study we report on the identification of 46 MAG genes from An. gambiae, 25 of which are male reproductive tract-specific. This was achieved through a combination of bioinformatics searches and manual annotation confirmed by transcriptional profiling. Among these genes are the homologues of 40% of the Drosophila Acps analyzed, including Acp70A, or sex peptide, which in the fruit fly is the principal modulator of female postmating behavior. Although many Anopheles Acps belong to the same functional classes reported for Drosophila, suggesting a conserved role for these proteins in mosquitoes, some represent novel lineage-specific Acps that may have evolved to perform functions relevant to Anopheles reproductive behavior. Our findings imply that the molecular basis of Anopheles female postmating responses can now be studied, opening novel avenues for the field control of these important vectors of human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Dottorini
- *Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Scienze Biochimiche, Università degli Studi di Perugia, Via Del Giochetto, 06122 Perugia, Italy; and
| | - Lietta Nicolaides
- Division of Cell and Molecular Biology, Imperial College London, Imperial College Road, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Hilary Ranson
- Division of Cell and Molecular Biology, Imperial College London, Imperial College Road, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - David W. Rogers
- Division of Cell and Molecular Biology, Imperial College London, Imperial College Road, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Andrea Crisanti
- Division of Cell and Molecular Biology, Imperial College London, Imperial College Road, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Flaminia Catteruccia
- Division of Cell and Molecular Biology, Imperial College London, Imperial College Road, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail:
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Ravi Ram K, Wolfner MF. Seminal influences: Drosophila Acps and the molecular interplay between males and females during reproduction. Integr Comp Biol 2007; 47:427-45. [PMID: 21672851 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icm046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 285] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Successful reproduction requires contributions from both the male and the female. In Drosophila, contributions from the male include accessory gland proteins (Acps) that are components of the seminal fluid. Upon their transfer to the female, Acps affect the female's physiology and behavior. Although primary sequences of Acp genes exhibit variation among species and genera, the conservation of protein biochemical classes in the seminal fluid suggests a conservation of functions. Bioinformatics coupled with molecular and genetic tools available for Drosophila melanogaster has expanded the functional analysis of Acps in recent years to the genomic/proteomic scale. Molecular interplay between Acps and the female enhances her egg production, reduces her receptivity to remating, alters her immune response and feeding behavior, facilitates storage and utilization of sperm in the female and affects her longevity. Here, we provide an overview of the D. melanogaster Acps and integrate the results from several studies that bring the current number of known D. melanogaster Acps to 112. We then discuss several examples of how the female's physiological processes and behaviors are mediated by interactions between Acps and the female. Understanding how Acps elicit particular female responses will provide insights into reproductive biology and chemical communication, tools for analyzing models of sexual cooperation and/or sexual conflict, and information potentially useful for strategies for managing insect pests.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Ravi Ram
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Biotechnology Building, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
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41
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Davies SJ, Chapman T. Identification of genes expressed in the accessory glands of male Mediterranean Fruit Flies (Ceratitis capitata). INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2006; 36:846-56. [PMID: 17046598 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2006.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2006] [Revised: 08/16/2006] [Accepted: 08/17/2006] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Genes expressed in the male reproductive system exhibit rapid evolutionary change and encode products that underlie striking, fitness-related phenotypes. Despite this, they have been characterised in detail in relatively few species. We report here an initial characterisation of the genes expressed in the male reproductive accessory glands of the Mediterranean Fruit Fly (Ceratitis capitata). We describe 13 independent expressed sequence tags (ESTs), of which 9 showed significant homology to known sequences and of which 4 represented novel sequences. The evidence suggests that our transcripts are not homologues of genes encoding known accessory gland proteins (Acps) in Drosophila melanogaster, but that they do encode proteins that fall into known functional categories for Acps (e.g. proteases, lipases, cysteine-rich secretory proteins [CRISPs]). Our results are consistent with the finding that among Acps there is considerable evolutionary lability at the sequence level, but evolutionary constraint at the functional level. The results highlight the extraordinary diversity of male reproductive genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan J Davies
- Department of Biology, University College London, Darwin Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
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42
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McIntyre LM, Bono LM, Genissel A, Westerman R, Junk D, Telonis-Scott M, Harshman L, Wayne ML, Kopp A, Nuzhdin SV. Sex-specific expression of alternative transcripts in Drosophila. Genome Biol 2006; 7:R79. [PMID: 16934145 PMCID: PMC1779584 DOI: 10.1186/gb-2006-7-8-r79] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2006] [Revised: 06/08/2006] [Accepted: 08/25/2006] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
A genome-wide microarray analysis of sex-specific expression of alternative transcripts in Drosophila shows sexual dimorphism in transcript abundance for 53% of the genes. Background Many genes produce multiple transcripts due to alternative splicing or utilization of alternative transcription initiation/termination sites. This 'transcriptome expansion' is thought to increase phenotypic complexity by allowing a single locus to produce several functionally distinct proteins. However, sex, genetic and developmental variation in the representation of alternative transcripts has never been examined systematically. Here, we describe a genome-wide analysis of sex-specific expression of alternative transcripts in Drosophila melanogaster. Results We compared transcript profiles in males and females from eight Drosophila lines (OregonR and 2b, and 6 RIL) using a newly designed 60-mer oligonucleotide microarray that allows us to distinguish a large proportion of alternative transcripts. The new microarray incorporates 7,207 oligonucleotides, satisfying stringent binding and specificity criteria that target both the common and the unique regions of 2,768 multi-transcript genes, as well as 12,912 oligonucleotides that target genes with a single known transcript. We estimate that up to 22% of genes that produce multiple transcripts show a sex-specific bias in the representation of alternative transcripts. Sexual dimorphism in overall transcript abundance was evident for 53% of genes. The X chromosome contains a significantly higher proportion of genes with female-biased transcription than the autosomes. However, genes on the X chromosome are no more likely to have a sexual bias in alternative transcript representation than autosomal genes. Conclusion Widespread sex-specific expression of alternative transcripts in Drosophila suggests that a new level of sexual dimorphism at the molecular level exists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M McIntyre
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, 1376 Mowry Road room 116, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Lisa M Bono
- Computational Genomics, 901 West State Street, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Anne Genissel
- Section of Evolution and Ecology, One Shields Avenue, University of California, Davis, California 95616, USA
| | - Rick Westerman
- Computational Genomics, 901 West State Street, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
- Department of Horticulture, 625 Agriculture Mall Dr., Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Damion Junk
- Computational Genomics, 901 West State Street, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
- Department of Agronomy, 915 West State Street, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Marina Telonis-Scott
- Department of Zoology, 223 Bartram Hall, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Larry Harshman
- School of Biological Sciences, 335 Mant, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA
| | - Marta L Wayne
- Department of Zoology, 223 Bartram Hall, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Artyom Kopp
- Section of Evolution and Ecology, One Shields Avenue, University of California, Davis, California 95616, USA
- Department of Horticulture, 625 Agriculture Mall Dr., Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Sergey V Nuzhdin
- Center for Genetics and Development, One Shields Avenue, University of California, Davis, California, 95616, USA
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43
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Cao JX, Yin GL, Yang WJ. Identification of a novel male reproduction-related gene and its regulated expression patterns in the prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii. Peptides 2006; 27:728-35. [PMID: 16225960 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2005.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2005] [Revised: 09/02/2005] [Accepted: 09/02/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
To identify male-specific genes that could be involved in male development, we screened a subtracted male reproductive tract library and isolated a novel gene named Mar-Mrr (M. rosenbergii male reproduction-related gene). The Mar-Mrr cDNA sequence consists of 683 nucleotides with a 333 nucleotide open reading frame, encoding putative 110 amino acids (11.7473 kDa) precursor protein and a signal peptide consisting of 24 amino acids. Significant developmentally dependent accumulation of the mRNA was observed in the male reproductive tract, specifically in epithelial cells of vas deferens and terminal ampullae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Xia Cao
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Department of Marine Biology, 232 Wensan Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310012, PR China
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44
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Marchini D, Bene GD. Comparative fine structural analysis of the male reproductive accessory glands inBactrocera oleaeandCeratitis capitata(Diptera, Tephritidae). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006. [DOI: 10.1080/11250000500502319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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45
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Panhuis TM, Clark NL, Swanson WJ. Rapid evolution of reproductive proteins in abalone and Drosophila. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2006; 361:261-8. [PMID: 16612885 PMCID: PMC1569613 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2005.1793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Observations from different taxa, including plants, protozoa, insects and mammals, indicate that proteins involved in reproduction evolve rapidly. Several models of adaptive evolution have been proposed to explain this phenomenon, such as sexual conflict, sexual selection, self versus non-self recognition and pathogen resistance. Here we discuss the potential role of sexual conflict in the rapid evolution of reproductive genes in two different animal systems, abalone (Haliotis) and Drosophila. In abalone, we reveal how specific interacting sperm-egg proteins were identified and discuss this identification in the light of models for rapid protein evolution and speciation. For Drosophila, we describe the genomic approaches taken to identify male accessory gland proteins and female reproductive tract proteins. Patterns of protein evolution from both abalone and Drosophila support the predicted patterns of rapid protein evolution driven by sexual conflict. We stress however that other selective pressures may contribute to the rapid evolution that is observed. We conclude that the key to distinguishing between sexual conflict and other mechanisms of protein evolution will be an integration of genetic, experimental and theoretical data.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Willie J Swanson
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of WashingtonPO Box 357730, Seattle, WA 98195-7730, USA
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46
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Fonseca DB, Brancato CL, Prior AE, Shelton PM, Sheehy MR. Death rates reflect accumulating brain damage in arthropods. Proc Biol Sci 2006; 272:1941-7. [PMID: 16191601 PMCID: PMC1559881 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2005.3192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
We present the results of the first quantitative, whole-lifespan study of the relationship between age-specific neurolipofuscin concentration and natural mortality rate in any organism. In a convenient laboratory animal, the African migratory locust, Locusta migratoria, we find an unusual delayed-onset neurolipofuscin accumulation pattern that is highly correlated with exponentially accelerating age-specific Gompertz-Makeham death rates in both males (r=0.93, p=0.0064) and females (r=0.97, p=0.0052). We then test the conservation of this association by aggregating the locust results with available population-specific data for a range of other terrestrial, freshwater, marine, tropical and temperate arthropods whose longevities span three orders of magnitude. This synthesis shows that the strong association between neurolipofuscin deposition and natural mortality is a phylogenetically and environmentally widespread phenomenon (r=0.96, p < 0.0001). These results highlight neurolipofuscin as a unique and outstanding integral biomarker of ageing. They also offer compelling evidence for the proposal that, in vital organs like the brain, either the accumulation of toxic garbage in the form of lipofuscin itself, or the particular molecular reactions underlying lipofuscinogenesis, including free-radical damage, are the primary events in senescence.
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47
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Reichhart JM. Tip of another iceberg: Drosophila serpins. Trends Cell Biol 2005; 15:659-65. [PMID: 16260136 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2005.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2005] [Revised: 08/05/2005] [Accepted: 10/03/2005] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Serpins are serine protease inhibitors with a conserved structure that have been identified in nearly all species and act as suicide substrates by binding covalently to their target proteases. Serpins regulate various physiological processes and defence mechanisms. In humans, several serpin mutations are linked to diseases. The genome of Drosophila melanogaster encodes 29 serpins and even more serine proteases. To date, three serpins have been investigated in detail. Spn27A controls the Toll pathway during early development and is involved in defence reactions in adult flies. SPN42DaA is an inhibitor of furin, a subtilisin-like convertase that is required for pro-protein maturation. Spn43Ac controls the Toll pathway during the immune response. In each case, Drosophila genetics has shed new light on the function of these serine protease inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Marc Reichhart
- Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, UPR 9022 du CNRS, 15 rue Rene Descartes, F67084 Strasbourg Cedex, France.
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48
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Mueller JL, Ravi Ram K, McGraw LA, Bloch Qazi MC, Siggia ED, Clark AG, Aquadro CF, Wolfner MF. Cross-species comparison of Drosophila male accessory gland protein genes. Genetics 2005; 171:131-43. [PMID: 15944345 PMCID: PMC1456506 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.105.043844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2005] [Accepted: 05/19/2005] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Drosophila melanogaster males transfer seminal fluid proteins along with sperm during mating. Among these proteins, ACPs (Accessory gland proteins) from the male's accessory gland induce behavioral, physiological, and life span reduction in mated females and mediate sperm storage and utilization. A previous evolutionary EST screen in D. simulans identified partial cDNAs for 57 new candidate ACPs. Here we report the annotation and confirmation of the corresponding Acp genes in D. melanogaster. Of 57 new candidate Acp genes previously reported in D. melanogaster, 34 conform to our more stringent criteria for encoding putative male accessory gland extracellular proteins, thus bringing the total number of ACPs identified to 52 (34 plus 18 previously identified). This comprehensive set of Acp genes allows us to dissect the patterns of evolutionary change in a suite of proteins from a single male-specific reproductive tissue. We used sequence-based analysis to examine codon bias, gene duplications, and levels of divergence (via dN/dS values and ortholog detection) of the 52 D. melanogaster ACPs in D. simulans, D. yakuba, and D. pseudoobscura. We show that 58% of the 52 D. melanogaster Acp genes are detectable in D. pseudoobscura. Sequence comparisons of ACPs shared and not shared between D. melanogaster and D. pseudoobscura show that there are separate classes undergoing distinctly dissimilar evolutionary dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- J L Mueller
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
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49
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Ravi Ram K, Ji S, Wolfner MF. Fates and targets of male accessory gland proteins in mated female Drosophila melanogaster. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2005; 35:1059-71. [PMID: 15979005 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2005.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2005] [Revised: 04/30/2005] [Accepted: 05/02/2005] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Male accessory gland proteins (Acps) in Drosophila are components of the seminal fluid and are transferred to females during copulation. In mated females, Acps enhance egg production, augment sperm storage, induce refractory mating behaviors, and affect the female's longevity. To address the functions of eight previously uncharacterized Acps and further analyze five others, we determined the tissues to which they target after transfer to females. Each Acp has multiple targets and is unique in its pattern of localization. Within the reproductive tract, Acps target to the uterus, oviduct, sperm storage organs, ovary and oocytes. Some Acps also leave the reproductive tract, to enter the hemolymph. Some Acps are detected on the surface of eggs laid by mated females but were not detectable within those eggs. Our results can help to identify the likely functions of these Acps as well as to create models for the mechanism of action of Acps.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Ravi Ram
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Biotechnology Building, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
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50
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Wagstaff BJ, Begun DJ. Molecular population genetics of accessory gland protein genes and testis-expressed genes in Drosophila mojavensis and D. arizonae. Genetics 2005; 171:1083-101. [PMID: 16085702 PMCID: PMC1456813 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.105.043372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Molecular population genetic investigation of Drosophila male reproductive genes has focused primarily on melanogaster subgroup accessory gland protein genes (Acp's). Consistent with observations from male reproductive genes of numerous taxa, Acp's evolve more rapidly than nonreproductive genes. However, within the Drosophila genus, large data sets from additional types of male reproductive genes and from different species groups are lacking. Here we report findings from a molecular population genetics analysis of male reproductive genes of the repleta group species, Drosophila arizonae and D. mojavensis. We find that Acp's have dramatically higher average pairwise Ka/Ks (0.93) than testis-enriched genes (0.19) and previously reported melanogaster subgroup Acp's (0.42). Overall, 10 of 19 Acp's have Ka/Ks > 1 either in nonpolarized analyses or in at least one lineage of polarized analyses. Of the nine Acp's for which outgroup data were available, average Ka/Ks was considerably higher in D. mojavensis (2.08) than in D. arizonae (0.87). Contrasts of polymorphism and divergence suggest that adaptive protein evolution at Acp's is more common in D. mojavensis than in D. arizonae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley J Wagstaff
- Section of Integrative Biology, University of Texas, Austin, Texas 78712, USA
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