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Effects of two seminal fluid transcripts on post-mating behaviour in the simultaneously hermaphroditic flatworm
Michael Weber1, Bahar Patlar1, Steven A Ramm1
1Department of Evolutionary Biology, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany.
Journal of Evolutionary Biology
|February 18, 2020
Summary
Seminal fluid proteins influence mating behavior. In flatworms, Mlig-pro63 protein triggers a
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Animal behavior
- Genetics
Background:
- Seminal fluid proteins (SFPs) mediate post-mating sexual selection.
- Sperm donors can enhance reproductive success by altering recipient behavior to reduce sperm competition.
Purpose of the Study:
- Identify SFPs in Macrostomum lignano that influence post-copulatory behavior.
- Investigate the roles of Mlig-pro46 and Mlig-pro63 in mating frequency and ejaculate removal behavior.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative genetic analysis combining gene expression and behavioral data.
- RNA interference (RNAi) to knockdown Mlig-pro46 and Mlig-pro63 expression.
- Assessed effects on mating frequency, suck propensity, and sperm competition.
Main Results:
- Knockdown of Mlig-pro46 and Mlig-pro63 did not significantly affect mating frequency or sperm competition.
- Knockdown of Mlig-pro63 significantly decreased the 'suck' propensity of mating partners.
- Mlig-pro63 may act as a cue to induce ejaculate removal behavior in recipients.
Conclusions:
- Mlig-pro63 plays a role in recipient post-copulatory behavior, potentially influencing ejaculate fate.
- This suggests an evolutionary arms race between sperm donors and recipients over reproductive control.
- The adaptive significance of these SFPs for sperm donors remains unclear.
