Unknown

Dataset Information

0

The genetic basis and fitness consequences of sperm midpiece size in deer mice.


ABSTRACT: An extensive array of reproductive traits varies among species, yet the genetic mechanisms that enable divergence, often over short evolutionary timescales, remain elusive. Here we examine two sister-species of Peromyscus mice with divergent mating systems. We find that the promiscuous species produces sperm with longer midpiece than the monogamous species, and midpiece size correlates positively with competitive ability and swimming performance. Using forward genetics, we identify a gene associated with midpiece length: Prkar1a, which encodes the R1? regulatory subunit of PKA. R1? localizes to midpiece in Peromyscus and is differentially expressed in mature sperm of the two species yet is similarly abundant in the testis. We also show that genetic variation at this locus accurately predicts male reproductive success. Our findings suggest that rapid evolution of reproductive traits can occur through cell type-specific changes to ubiquitously expressed genes and have an important effect on fitness.

SUBMITTER: Fisher HS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5146288 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

altmetric image

Publications

The genetic basis and fitness consequences of sperm midpiece size in deer mice.

Fisher Heidi S HS   Jacobs-Palmer Emily E   Lassance Jean-Marc JM   Hoekstra Hopi E HE  

Nature communications 20161202


An extensive array of reproductive traits varies among species, yet the genetic mechanisms that enable divergence, often over short evolutionary timescales, remain elusive. Here we examine two sister-species of Peromyscus mice with divergent mating systems. We find that the promiscuous species produces sperm with longer midpiece than the monogamous species, and midpiece size correlates positively with competitive ability and swimming performance. Using forward genetics, we identify a gene associ  ...[more]

Similar Datasets

| S-EPMC2824558 | biostudies-literature
| S-EPMC4856068 | biostudies-literature
| S-EPMC4873965 | biostudies-literature
| S-EPMC1839143 | biostudies-literature
| S-EPMC5777626 | biostudies-literature
| S-EPMC6781899 | biostudies-literature
| S-EPMC9373847 | biostudies-literature
| S-EPMC2905302 | biostudies-literature
| S-EPMC4224448 | biostudies-literature
| S-EPMC5989026 | biostudies-literature