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Prophage proteins alter long noncoding RNA and DNA of developing sperm to induce a paternal-effect lethality
Rupinder Kaur1,2,3, Angelina McGarry1,2, J Dylan Shropshire3,4
1Pennsylvania State University, Departments of Biology and Entomology, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|March 7, 2024
Summary
Prophage proteins CifA and CifB from Wolbachia alter long noncoding RNA and DNA in Drosophila sperm, causing embryonic lethality via cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI). This reveals a key symbiosis mechanism impacting insect evolution and vector control.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- The interaction of prophage proteins with eukaryotic macromolecules is poorly understood.
- Wolbachia endosymbionts influence host reproduction through mechanisms like cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the molecular mechanisms by which Wolbachia prophage proteins CifA and CifB affect Drosophila sperm development and establish CI.
- To elucidate the roles of CifA and CifB in altering long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) and DNA during spermiogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of CifA and CifB protein functions as ribonuclease (RNase) and deoxyribonuclease (DNase).
- Investigating the impact of CifA and CifB on lncRNA levels and DNA integrity in Drosophila sperm.
- Utilizing lncRNA knockdown and mutagenesis to link molecular changes to CI.
Main Results:
- CifA (RNase) depletes a key spermatocyte lncRNA essential for histone-to-protamine transition.
- CifA and CifB (DNases) induce DNA damage during late spermiogenesis.
- lncRNA depletion exacerbates CI, and molecular alterations correlate with embryonic DNA damage.
Conclusions:
- Prophage proteins CifA and CifB directly interact with eukaryotic macromolecules (lncRNA and DNA) during gametogenesis.
- These interactions are crucial for establishing cytoplasmic incompatibility, a symbiosis fundamental to insect evolution.
- Understanding these mechanisms has implications for insect vector control strategies.
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