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Transcriptomics Unveil Dsx1 as a Critical Regulator in Sexual Dimorphism of Crustaceans
Yan Tong1,2,3, Wenpei Xin2,3, Zeyu Liu2,3
1College of Life Sciences, Capital Normal University, Beijing, China.
Integrative Zoology
|April 22, 2026
Summary
The gene Dsx1 drives the development of male traits in crustaceans. Knocking down Dsx1 in males caused feminization of their legs, revealing its crucial role in sexual development.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Genetics
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Sexually dimorphic traits are crucial for reproductive competition.
- These traits develop through sex-biased gene expression programs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of sex-biased gene expression in developing sexually dimorphic traits.
- To identify and validate genes responsible for sex determination in crustaceans.
Main Methods:
- RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) of male and female crustacean legs during development.
- Comparative transcriptome analysis to identify sex-biased genes.
- RNA interference (RNAi) and CRISPR-Cas9 gene knockout experiments.
Main Results:
- The gene Dsx1 exhibited male-biased expression during development in Morinoia aosen.
- Knockdown of Dsx1 in male crustaceans led to feminization of the regenerated T3 legs.
- CRISPR-Cas9 knockout validated the feminizing effect of Dsx1 in Parhyale hawaiensis.
Conclusions:
- Dsx1 plays a conserved, causal role in the feminization of male traits in crustaceans.
- Sex-biased gene expression is a key mechanism specifying sexually dimorphic traits.
- Identified homologous genes and confirmed conserved function of Dsx1 across species.
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