What is it about?
The research reveals a fascinating discovery about the evolution of X chromosome behavior during sperm production in fruit flies. The X chromosome undergoes temporary silencing during sperm production in fruit flies, a process called Meiotic Sex Chromosome Inactivation (MSCI). While well-known in mammals and Drosophila melanogaster, this was a topic of hot debate in insects in general. Using RNA-seq across four fly species separated by up to 30 million years of evolution, we found that all species show the same pattern: most of the X chromosome genes reduce their activity during meiosis.
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Photo by USGS on Unsplash
Why is it important?
This reinforces MSCI as a fundamental mechanism and provides insights into sex chromosome evolution.
Perspectives
The findings could impact research in evolutionary genetics, fertility, and disease-vector control.
Ph.D. Camila Avelino
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Meiotic Sex Chromosome Inactivation: Conservation across the Drosophila genus, PLoS Genetics, September 2025, PLOS,
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1011511.
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