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A FACS-based Protocol to Isolate RNA from the Secondary Cells of Drosophila Male Accessory Glands
Published on: September 5, 2019
Variation in sex peptide expression in D. melanogaster
D T Smith1, D J Hosken, R H Ffrench-Constant
1Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Cornwall Campus, Penryn, Cornwall, UK.
Genetics Research
|July 31, 2009
Summary
Genetic variation in fruit fly sex peptide (SP) gene expression influences female remating behavior. Disruptive selection may act on SP expression levels, with no link found to Wolbachia infection.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary genetics
- Animal behavior
- Molecular biology
Background:
- Male fruit flies transfer accessory gland proteins, including sex peptide (SP), to females during mating.
- SP is known to reduce female remating propensity.
- Genetic variation in SP gene expression and its behavioral impact remain unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate genetic variation in SP gene expression levels in Drosophila melanogaster.
- To determine if SP expression variation influences female remating behavior.
- To explore potential associations between SP expression and Wolbachia infection.
Main Methods:
- Assessed SP gene expression levels across different D. melanogaster isolines.
- Analyzed the relationship between SP expression levels and female remating delay.
- Examined isolines for Wolbachia infection.
Main Results:
- Significant variation in SP gene expression levels was found among D. melanogaster isolines.
- A non-linear association between SP expression and female remating delay suggests disruptive selection.
- No association was detected between Wolbachia infection and SP expression levels.
Conclusions:
- Genetic variation in SP expression is present in D. melanogaster.
- SP expression levels are subject to disruptive selection impacting female behavior.
- Wolbachia infection does not appear to influence SP expression levels in this context.
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