Project description:Species of the genus Drosophila have served as favorite models in speciation studies, however genetic factors of the interspecific hybrid sterility are underinvestigated to date. Here we performed the analysis of reproductive incompatibilities of hybrid females in crossing Drosophila melanogaster females and Drosophila simulans males. Using transcriptomic data analysis, molecular, cellular and genetic approaches we analyzed differential gene expression, transposable element (TE) activity, piRNA biogenesis and functional defects of oogenesis in hybrids. A premature GSC loss was a most prominent defect of oogenesis in hybrid ovaries. Owing differential expression of genes encoding components of the piRNA pathway rhino and deadlock, functional RDCmel complex in hybrid ovaries was not assembled. At the same time the activity of RDCsim complex was maintained in hybrids, independently from the genomic origin of piRNA clusters. Despite identification of a cohort of overexpressed TEs in hybrid ovaries we found no evidences that their activity can be considered as the main cause of hybrid sterility. We revealed complex pattern of Vasa protein expression in hybrid germline, including partial AT-chX piRNA targeting of vasasim allele and significant developmental delay of vasamel expression. We came to the conclusions that complex multi-locus genetic changes between the species were responsible for hybrid sterility phenotype.
Project description:Space travel presents unlimited opportunities for exploration and discovery, but requires a more complete understanding of the immunological consequences of long-term exposure to the conditions of spaceflight. To understand these consequences better and to contribute to design of effective countermeasures, we used the Drosophila model to compare innate immune responses to bacteria and fungi in flies that were either raised on earth or in outer space aboard the NASA Space Shuttle Discovery (STS-121). Microarrays were used to characterize changes in gene expression that occur in response to infection by bacteria and fungus in drosophila that were either hatched and raised in outer space (microgravity) or on earth (normal gravity).
Project description:Species of the genus Drosophila have served as favorite models in speciation studies, however genetic factors of the interspecific hybrid sterility are underinvestigated to date. Here we performed the analysis of reproductive incompatibilities of hybrid females in crossing Drosophila melanogaster females and Drosophila simulans males. Using transcriptomic data analysis, molecular, cellular and genetic approaches we analyzed differential gene expression, transposable element (TE) activity, piRNA biogenesis and functional defects of oogenesis in hybrids. A premature GSC loss was a most prominent defect of oogenesis in hybrid ovaries. Owing differential expression of genes encoding components of the piRNA pathway rhino and deadlock, functional RDCmel complex in hybrid ovaries was not assembled. At the same time the activity of RDCsim complex was maintained in hybrids, independently from the genomic origin of piRNA clusters. Despite identification of a cohort of overexpressed TEs in hybrid ovaries we found no evidences that their activity can be considered as the main cause of hybrid sterility. We revealed complex pattern of Vasa protein expression in hybrid germline, including partial AT-chX piRNA targeting of vasasim allele and significant developmental delay of vasamel expression. We came to the conclusions that complex multi-locus genetic changes between the species were responsible for hybrid sterility phenotype.