Back to Search Start Over

Molecular dissection of nuptial gifts in divergent strains of Ostrinia moths.

Authors :
Al‐Wathiqui, Nooria
Lewis, Sara M.
Dopman, Erik B.
Source :
Physiological Entomology; Mar2018, Vol. 43 Issue 1, p10-19, 11p
Publication Year :
2018

Abstract

Abstract: Seminal fluid proteins (SFPs) produced in the male accessory glands and ejaculatory duct are subject to strong sexual selection, often evolve rapidly and therefore may play a key role in reproductive isolation and species formation. However, little is known about reproductive proteins for species in which males transfer ejaculate to females using a spermatophore package. By combining RNA sequencing and proteomics, we characterize putative SFPs, identify proteins transferred in the male spermatophore and identify candidate genes contributing to a one‐way gametic incompatibility between Z and E strains of the European corn borer moth Ostrinia nubilalis. We find that the accessory glands and ejaculatory duct secrete over 200 highly expressed gene products, including peptidases, peptidase regulators and odourant‐binding proteins. A comparison between Ostrinia strains reveals that accessory gland and ejaculatory duct sequences with hormone degradation and peptidase activity are among the most extremely differentially expressed. However, most spermatophore peptides lack reproductive tissue bias or canonical secretory signal motifs and aproximately one‐quarter may be produced elsewhere before being sequestered by the male accessory glands during spermatophore production. In addition, most potential gene candidates for postmating reproductive isolation do not meet standard criteria for predicted SFPs and almost three‐quarters are novel, suggesting that both postmating sexual interactions and gametic isolation likely involve molecular products beyond traditionally recognized SFPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
03076962
Volume :
43
Issue :
1
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Physiological Entomology
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
127766373
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1111/phen.12220