The molecular mechanisms of sex determination in moths and butterflies (Lepidoptera) with female heterogamety (WZ/ZZ) are poorly understood, except in the silkworm Bombyx mori. However, the Masculinizer (Masc) gene that controls male development and dosage compensation in B. mori, appears to be conserved in Lepidoptera, as its masculinizing function was recently confirmed in several moth species. In this work, we investigated the role of the Masc gene in sex determination of the codling moth Cydia pomonella (Tortricidae), a globally important pest of pome fruits and walnuts. The gene structure of the C. pomonella Masc ortholog, CpMasc, is similar to B. mori Masc. However, unlike B. mori, we identified 14 splice variants of CpMasc in the available transcriptomes. Subsequent screening for sex specificity and genetic variation using publicly available data and RT-PCR revealed three male-specific splice variants. Then qPCR analysis of these variants revealed sex-biased expression showing a peak only in early male embryos. Knockdown of CpMasc by RNAi during early embryogenesis resulted in a shift from male-to female-specific splicing of the C. pomonella doublesex (Cpdsx) gene, its downstream effector, in ZZ embryos, leading to a strongly female-biased sex ratio. These data clearly demonstrate that CpMasc functions as a masculinizing gene in the sex-determining cascade of C. pomonella. Our study also showed that CpMasc transcripts are provided maternally, as they were detected in unfertilized eggs after oviposition and in mature eggs dissected from virgin females. This finding is unique, as maternal provision of mRNA has rarely been studied in Lepidoptera.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
---|---|
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ibmb.2023.103991 | DOI Listing |
Sci Rep
January 2025
Marine Molecular Genetics & Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Aquaculture, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, 202301, Taiwan.
Primordial germ cells (PGCs), the progenitors of gametes, are essential for teleost reproduction. While their formation is conserved across teleosts, the activation, migration routes, and localization periods vary among species. In this study, we developed a novel transgenic line, Tg(ddx4:TcCFP13-nanos3), based on the Nile tilapia genome, to label PGCs with clear fluorescent signals in the freshwater angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFComp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol
January 2025
Key Laboratory of Mariculture& Stock Enhancement in North China's Sea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian 116023, China.
Apostichopus japonicus is a highly significant marine aquaculture species. Research findings have indicated that male sea cucumbers demonstrate a more rapid growth rate compared to females, underscoring the potential advantages of establishing an all-male population. In this study, we identified a specific protein-coding gene (ORFan) within a 4565 bp male fragment and named it sex determination factor (sdf).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMol Oncol
January 2025
Instituto de Investigación de Enfermedades Raras, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
Forkhead box L2 (FOXL2) encodes a transcription factor essential for sex determination, and ovary development and maintenance. Mutations in this gene are implicated in syndromes involving premature ovarian failure and granulosa cell tumors (GCTs). This rare cancer accounts for less than 5% of diagnosed ovarian cancers and is causally associated with the FOXL2 c.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFScand J Caring Sci
March 2025
Center for Academic Achievement, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA.
Aim: The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of female sex workers in the Kandapara Brothel in Tangail to build a better understanding of their lived perspective.
Design: This qualitative study was based on the philosophical underpinnings of Giorgi's descriptive phenomenological philosophy.
Methods: A purposive, convenience sample of 24 participants (N = 24) was recruited in the brothel, sufficient for data saturation.
Genes (Basel)
December 2024
Department of Biology, Duke University, P.O. Box 90338, Durham, NC 27708-0338, USA.
Background/objectives: Systems of reproduction differ with respect to the magnitude of neutral genetic diversity maintained in a population. In particular, the partitioning of reproductive organisms into mating types and regular inbreeding have long been recognized as key factors that influence effective population number. Here, a range of reproductive systems are compared with respect to the maintenance of neutral genetic diversity.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEnter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!