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Genes Integral to the Reproductive Function of Male Reproductive Tissues Drive Heterogeneity in Evolutionary Rates in
Findley R Finseth1,2, Richard G Harrison2
1Keck Science Department, Claremont McKenna, Pitzer, and Scripps Colleges, Claremont, California 91711 ffinseth@kecksci.claremont.edu.
G3 (Bethesda, Md.)
|November 22, 2017
Summary
Male reproductive genes show varied evolutionary rates. Testis genes evolve rapidly, while foam gland genes and foam proteins are highly conserved, revealing tissue-specific evolutionary pressures in Japanese quail reproduction.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Comparative genomics
- Molecular evolution
Background:
- Comparative genomics initially suggested rapid evolution of reproductive genes.
- Recent consensus points to variable selective pressures and heterogeneous divergence patterns in reproductive protein evolution.
- Male reproductive tissues exhibit unique evolutionary dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate factors driving evolutionary rate heterogeneity in male reproductive tissues.
- Compare evolutionary rates of genes in testes versus the foam gland (FG) in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica).
- Analyze evolutionary patterns of foam proteins (FPs) and genes with varying expression specificity in the FG.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of molecular evolutionary patterns.
- Examined genes with induced expression in breeding vs. wintering conditions for testes and FG.
- Compared genes encoding foam proteins (FPs) against those with differential FG expression.
Main Results:
- Genes upregulated in breeding condition testes evolve exceptionally rapidly.
- Genes induced in breeding condition FG evolve slowly, even after controlling for hormonal and chromosomal factors.
- Genes encoding foam proteins (FPs) exhibit extreme conservation in identity and sequence.
Conclusions:
- Reproductive function drives significant evolutionary rate heterogeneity between male tissues.
- Testes and foam gland genes display distinct evolutionary trajectories.
- Foam proteins are highly conserved, suggesting critical functional roles.
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