Age-dependent chromosomal distribution of male-biased genes in Drosophila

Genome Res. 2010 Nov;20(11):1526-33. doi: 10.1101/gr.107334.110. Epub 2010 Aug 26.

Abstract

We investigated the correlation between the chromosomal location and age distribution of new male-biased genes formed by duplications via DNA intermediates (DNA-level) or by de novo origination in Drosophila. Our genome-wide analysis revealed an excess of young X-linked male-biased genes. The proportion of X-linked male-biased genes then diminishes through time, leading to an autosomal excess of male-biased genes. The switch between X-linked and autosomal enrichment of male-biased genes was also present in the distribution of both protein-coding genes on the D. pseudoobscura neo-X chromosome and microRNA genes of D. melanogaster. These observations revealed that the evolution of male-biased genes is more complicated than the previously detected one-step X→A gene traffic and the enrichment of the male-biased genes on autosomes. The pattern we detected suggests that the interaction of various evolutionary forces such as the meiotic sex chromosome inactivation (MSCI), faster-X effect, and sexual antagonism in the male germline might have shaped the chromosomal distribution of male-biased genes on different evolutionary time scales.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Aging / genetics*
  • Animals
  • Chromosome Mapping* / methods
  • Drosophila / genetics*
  • Evolution, Molecular
  • Gene Expression Profiling
  • Genes, Insect*
  • Genes, X-Linked / genetics*
  • Insect Proteins / genetics
  • Insect Proteins / metabolism
  • Male
  • MicroRNAs / genetics
  • Microarray Analysis
  • Phylogeny
  • Sex Characteristics
  • X Chromosome / genetics

Substances

  • Insect Proteins
  • MicroRNAs