Sex determination gene transformer regulates the male-female difference in Drosophila fat storage via the adipokinetic hormone pathway.

ABSTRACT: Sex differences in whole-body fat storage exist in many species. For example, Drosophila females store more fat than males. Yet, the mechanisms underlying this sex difference in fat storage remain incompletely understood. Here, we identify a key role for sex determination gene transformer (tra) in regulating the male-female difference in fat storage. Normally, a functional Tra protein is present only in females, where it promotes female sexual development. We show that loss of Tra in females reduced whole-body fat storage, whereas gain of Tra in males augmented fat storage. Tra's role in promoting fat storage was largely due to its function in neurons, specifically the Adipokinetic hormone (Akh)-producing cells (APCs). Our analysis of Akh pathway regulation revealed a male bias in APC acti

SUBMITTER: Wat LW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8594944 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature