What is it about?
In many species, both morphological and molecular traits related to sex and reproduction evolve faster in males than in females. Ultimately, rapid male evolution relies on the acquisition of new genetic variants such as new genes. These newly evolved genes are associated with novel functions that might enhance male reproduction, for example during sperm competition. Sperm competition occurs when when a female mates with several males, storing their sperm in her reproductive organs. However, functional evidence of the how recently originated genes increase male reproduction through sperm competition is lacking.
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Photo by GuerrillaBuzz on Unsplash
Why is it important?
By genetic modification of a gene that is found in one single fruit fly species only, we were able to explore the subtle ways in which newly evolved genes can impact male fertility. Specifically, we proved that the gene silenced impacts sperm competition, a widespread mechanism in many animal species, including insects and mammals. This is the first newly evolved gene proven to be involved in sperm competition.
Perspectives
This was an exciting project that combined genetics and evolutionary biology, shedding light about the subtle ways in which newly evolved genes can affect male fertility, which is central for the perpetuation of the species.
Professor Jose Ranz
University of California Irvine
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Functional evidence that a recently evolved Drosophila sperm-specific gene boosts sperm competition, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, January 2012, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences,
DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1121327109.
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