In:
PLOS Genetics, Public Library of Science (PLoS), Vol. 17, No. 9 ( 2021-9-3), p. e1009787-
Abstract:
Comparative genomics has enabled the identification of genes that potentially evolved de novo from non-coding sequences. Many such genes are expressed in male reproductive tissues, but their functions remain poorly understood. To address this, we conducted a functional genetic screen of over 40 putative de novo genes with testis-enriched expression in Drosophila melanogaster and identified one gene, atlas , required for male fertility. Detailed genetic and cytological analyses showed that atlas is required for proper chromatin condensation during the final stages of spermatogenesis. Atlas protein is expressed in spermatid nuclei and facilitates the transition from histone- to protamine-based chromatin packaging. Complementary evolutionary analyses revealed the complex evolutionary history of atlas . The protein-coding portion of the gene likely arose at the base of the Drosophila genus on the X chromosome but was unlikely to be essential, as it was then lost in several independent lineages. Within the last ~15 million years, however, the gene moved to an autosome, where it fused with a conserved non-coding RNA and evolved a non-redundant role in male fertility. Altogether, this study provides insight into the integration of novel genes into biological processes, the links between genomic innovation and functional evolution, and the genetic control of a fundamental developmental process, gametogenesis.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
1553-7404
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pgen.1009787
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pgen.1009787.g001
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pgen.1009787.g002
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pgen.1009787.g003
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pgen.1009787.g004
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pgen.1009787.g005
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pgen.1009787.g006
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pgen.1009787.g007
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pgen.1009787.t001
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pgen.1009787.s001
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pgen.1009787.s002
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pgen.1009787.s003
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pgen.1009787.s004
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pgen.1009787.s005
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pgen.1009787.s006
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pgen.1009787.s007
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pgen.1009787.s008
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pgen.1009787.s009
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pgen.1009787.s010
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pgen.1009787.s011
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pgen.1009787.s012
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pgen.1009787.s013
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pgen.1009787.s014
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pgen.1009787.s015
Language:
English
Publisher:
Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Publication Date:
2021
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2186725-2
Bookmarklink