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Sex-Biased Expression of Young Genes in Silurana (Xenopus) tropicalis.
- Source :
-
Cytogenetic and genome research [Cytogenet Genome Res] 2015; Vol. 145 (3-4), pp. 265-77. Date of Electronic Publication: 2015 Jun 06. - Publication Year :
- 2015
-
Abstract
- Sex-biased gene expression can evolve from sex-specific selection and is often associated with sex-linked genes. Gene duplication is a particularly effective mechanism for the generation of sex-biased genes, in which a new copy can help resolve intralocus sexual conflicts. This study assesses sex-biased gene expression in an amphibian with homomorphic ZW sex chromosomes, the Western clawed frog Silurana (Xenopus)tropicalis. Previous work has shown that the sex chromosomes in this species are mainly undifferentiated and pseudoautosomal. Consistent with ongoing recombination between the sex chromosomes, this study detected little evidence for the general sexualization of sex-linked regions. A subset of genes closely linked to the sex determining locus displays a tendency for male-biased expression and elevated rates of evolution relative to genes in other genomic locations. This may be a symptom of an early stage of sex chromosome differentiation driven by, for example, chromosomal degeneration or natural selection on genes in this portion of the Z chromosome. Alternatively, it could reflect variation between the sexes in allelic copy number coupled with a lack of dosage compensation. Irrespective of the genomic location, lineage-specific genes and recently duplicated genes had significantly high levels of sex-biased expression, offering insights into the early transcriptional differentiation of young genes.
- Subjects :
- Animals
Chromosome Mapping
Dosage Compensation, Genetic
Evolution, Molecular
Female
Gene Dosage
Gene Duplication
Male
Models, Genetic
Ovary metabolism
Recombination, Genetic
Sex Determination Processes
Testis metabolism
Transcription, Genetic
Gene Expression Regulation genetics
Sex Characteristics
Sex Chromosomes genetics
Xenopus genetics
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1424-859X
- Volume :
- 145
- Issue :
- 3-4
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Cytogenetic and genome research
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 26065714
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1159/000430942