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Generating CRISPR/Cas9 Mediated Monoallelic Deletions to Study Enhancer Function in Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells
Published on: April 2, 2016
Genome elimination mediated by gene expression from a selfish chromosome
Elena Dalla Benetta1,2, Igor Antoshechkin3, Ting Yang2
1W. M. Keck Science Department, Claremont McKenna, Pitzer, and Scripps Colleges, Claremont, CA 91711, USA.
Selfish B chromosomes, like the paternal sex ratio (PSR) in jewel wasps, drive themselves at high frequencies. A PSR-linked gene, haploidizer, facilitates genome elimination and sex conversion, explaining B chromosome drive.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Evolutionary Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- B chromosomes are selfish genetic elements found in many organisms.
- They transmit at higher-than-expected frequencies, despite potential fitness costs.
- The mechanisms and genetic basis of B chromosome drive remain largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying B chromosome drive.
- To analyze the sequence composition and gene expression of the paternal sex ratio (PSR) B chromosome.
- To determine the role of B-gene expression in mediating drive.
Main Methods:
- Utilized modern sequencing technologies to analyze PSR B chromosome.
- Examined fine-scale sequence composition and expression patterns.
- Employed RNA interference (RNAi) to assess gene function.
Main Results:
- Identified and analyzed the PSR B chromosome in *Nasonia vitripennis*.
- Demonstrated testis-specific expression of a PSR-linked gene, *haploidizer*.
- Showed that *haploidizer* facilitates genome elimination and sex conversion.
Conclusions:
- Testis-specific expression of *haploidizer* is crucial for PSR B chromosome drive.
- The *haploidizer* gene, encoding a DNA-binding protein, likely interacts with sperm chromatin.
- This study provides a molecular explanation for B chromosome drive and its associated effects.
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