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A novel gene drive mechanism, Teosinte Pollen Drive, utilizes RNA interference (RNAi) in maize-teosinte hybrids. This selfish genetic element biases its own transmission through male pollen, impacting plant evolution.

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Area of Science:

  • Genetics and Evolutionary Biology
  • Plant Science
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Selfish genetic elements influence hybrid incompatibility and transmission bias.
  • Gene drive mechanisms are typically post-meiotic and male-specific, unlike chromosomal drive.
  • RNA interference (RNAi) plays a role in gene regulation and defense.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe a novel instance of gene drive in maize-teosinte hybrids, termed Teosinte Pollen Drive.
  • To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying this pollen-specific gene drive.
  • To investigate the potential role of Teosinte Pollen Drive in maize domestication and diversification.

Main Methods:

  • Single-molecule and single-pollen genome sequencing were employed.
  • Analysis of small RNA populations and gene targeting.
  • Survey of maize traditional varieties and sympatric teosinte mexicana populations.

Main Results:

  • Teosinte Pollen Drive relies on 22-nucleotide small RNAs generated by a non-coding RNA hairpin, dependent on Dicer-like 2 (Dcl2).
  • These small RNAs target Teosinte Drive Responder 1 (Tdr1), a gene essential for pollen viability.
  • Dcl2, Tdr1, and the hairpin are tightly linked on chromosome 5 and function specifically in male transmission.

Conclusions:

  • Teosinte Pollen Drive is a novel RNAi-dependent gene drive system operating in maize-teosinte hybrids.
  • This mechanism likely played a significant role in the domestication and diversification of maize.
  • The findings offer an explanation for the prevalence of 'self' small RNAs in plant and animal germ lines.