scholarly journals Divergence in sex peptide-mediated female post-mating responses in Drosophila melanogaster

2018 ◽  
Vol 285 (1886) ◽  
pp. 20181563 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristina U. Wensing ◽  
Claudia Fricke
Keyword(s):  
Drosophila Melanogaster ◽  
Seminal Fluid ◽  
Lifetime Reproductive Success ◽  
Fitness Costs ◽  
Seminal Fluid Proteins ◽  
Sex Peptide ◽  
Fitness Measures ◽  
Different Populations ◽  
Reproductive Processes ◽  
Sexually Antagonistic Coevolution

Transfer and receipt of seminal fluid proteins crucially affect reproductive processes in animals. Evolution in these male ejaculatory proteins is explained with post-mating sexual selection, but we lack a good understanding of the evolution of female post-mating responses (PMRs) to these proteins. Some of these proteins are expected to mediate sexually antagonistic coevolution generating the expectation that females evolve resistance. One candidate in Drosophila melanogaster is the sex peptide (SP) which confers cost of mating in females. In this paper, we compared female SP-induced PMRs across three D. melanogaster wild-type populations after mating with SP-lacking versus control males including fitness measures. Surprisingly, we did not find any evidence for SP-mediated fitness costs in any of the populations. However, female lifetime reproductive success and lifespan were differently affected by SP receipt indicating that female PMRs diverged among populations. Injection of synthetic SP into virgin females further supported these findings and suggests that females from different populations require different amounts of SP to effectively initiate PMRs. Molecular analyses of the SP receptor suggest that genetic differences might explain the observed phenotypical divergence. We discuss the evolutionary processes that might have caused this divergence in female PMRs.

scholarly journals Sex peptide of Drosophila melanogaster males is a global regulator of reproductive processes in females

2012 ◽  
Vol 279 (1746) ◽  
pp. 4423-4432 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Gioti ◽  
S. Wigby ◽  
B. Wertheim ◽  
E. Schuster ◽  
P. Martinez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drosophila Melanogaster ◽  
Sexual Conflict ◽  
Seminal Fluid ◽  
Nutrient Sensing ◽  
Seminal Fluid Proteins ◽  
Sex Peptide ◽  
Efficient Induction ◽  
Transcriptional Changes ◽  
Female Behaviour ◽  
Reproductive Processes

Seminal fluid proteins (Sfps) alter female behaviour and physiology and can mediate sexual conflict. In Drosophila melanogaster , a single Sfp, the sex peptide (SP), triggers remarkable post-mating responses in females, including altered fecundity, feeding, immunity and sexual receptivity. These effects can favour the evolutionary interests of males while generating costs in females. We tested the hypothesis that SP is an upstream master-regulator able to induce diverse phenotypes through efficient induction of widespread transcriptional changes in females. We profiled mRNA responses to SP in adult female abdomen (Abd) and head+thorax (HT) tissues using microarrays at 3 and 6 h following mating. SP elicited a rich, subtle signature of temporally and spatially controlled mRNAs. There were significant alterations to genes linked to egg development, early embryogenesis, immunity, nutrient sensing, behaviour and, unexpectedly, phototransduction. There was substantially more variation in the direction of differential expression across time points in the HT versus Abd. The results support the idea that SP is an important regulator of gene expression in females. The expression of many genes in one sex can therefore be under the influence of a regulator expressed in the other. This could influence the extent of sexual conflict both within and between loci.

scholarly journals Interactions between the microbiome and mating influence the female’s transcriptional profile in Drosophila melanogaster

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sofie Y. N. Delbare ◽  
Yasir H. Ahmed-Braimah ◽  
Mariana F. Wolfner ◽  
Andrew G. Clark
Keyword(s):  
Drosophila Melanogaster ◽  
Egg Production ◽  
Seminal Fluid ◽  
Transcript Abundance ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Transcriptional Profile ◽  
Seminal Fluid Proteins ◽  
Two Factors ◽  
Immunity Genes ◽  
Neuronal Functions

Abstract Drosophila melanogaster females undergo a variety of post-mating changes that influence their activity, feeding behavior, metabolism, egg production and gene expression. These changes are induced either by mating itself or by sperm or seminal fluid proteins. In addition, studies have shown that axenic females—those lacking a microbiome—have altered fecundity compared to females with a microbiome, and that the microbiome of the female’s mate can influence reproductive success. However, the extent to which post-mating changes in transcript abundance are affected by microbiome state is not well-characterized. Here we investigated fecundity and the post-mating transcript abundance profile of axenic or control females after mating with either axenic or control males. We observed interactions between the female’s microbiome and her mating status: transcripts of genes involved in reproduction and genes with neuronal functions were differentially abundant depending on the females’ microbiome status, but only in mated females. In addition, immunity genes showed varied responses to either the microbiome, mating, or a combination of those two factors. We further observed that the male’s microbiome status influences the fecundity of both control and axenic females, while only influencing the transcriptional profile of axenic females. Our results indicate that the microbiome plays a vital role in the post-mating switch of the female’s transcriptome.

scholarly journals Molecular Diversification of the Seminal Fluid Proteome in a Recently Diverged Passerine Species Pair

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 488-506 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melissah Rowe ◽  
Emma Whittington ◽  
Kirill Borziak ◽  
Mark Ravinet ◽  
Fabrice Eroukhmanoff ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Seminal Fluid ◽  
Passer Domesticus ◽  
Species Pair ◽  
Seminal Fluid Proteins ◽  
Passerine Species ◽  
Immunity Genes ◽  
Evolutionary Genomic ◽  
Whole Genome Resequencing ◽  
And Function ◽  
Reproductive Processes

Abstract Seminal fluid proteins (SFPs) mediate an array of postmating reproductive processes that influence fertilization and fertility. As such, it is widely held that SFPs may contribute to postmating, prezygotic reproductive barriers between closely related taxa. We investigated seminal fluid (SF) diversification in a recently diverged passerine species pair (Passer domesticus and Passer hispaniolensis) using a combination of proteomic and comparative evolutionary genomic approaches. First, we characterized and compared the SF proteome of the two species, revealing consistencies with known aspects of SFP biology and function in other taxa, including the presence and diversification of proteins involved in immunity and sperm maturation. Second, using whole-genome resequencing data, we assessed patterns of genomic differentiation between house and Spanish sparrows. These analyses detected divergent selection on immunity-related SF genes and positive selective sweeps in regions containing a number of SF genes that also exhibited protein abundance diversification between species. Finally, we analyzed the molecular evolution of SFPs across 11 passerine species and found a significantly higher rate of positive selection in SFPs compared with the rest of the genome, as well as significant enrichments for functional pathways related to immunity in the set of positively selected SF genes. Our results suggest that selection on immunity pathways is an important determinant of passerine SF composition and evolution. Assessing the role of immunity genes in speciation in other recently diverged taxa should be prioritized given the potential role for immunity-related proteins in reproductive incompatibilities in Passer sparrows.

A genome-wide analysis of courting and mating responses in Drosophila melanogaster females

Genome ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 47 (5) ◽  
pp. 900-910 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mara KN Lawniczak ◽  
David J Begun
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Drosophila Melanogaster ◽  
Seminal Fluid ◽  
Differentially Expressed ◽  
Male Reproductive Success ◽  
Female Side ◽  
Accessory Gland Proteins ◽  
Seminal Fluid Proteins ◽  
A Genome ◽  
Immune Related Genes

In Drosophila melanogaster, seminal fluid proteins influence several components of female physiology and behavior, including re-mating rates, ovulation and oviposition, and sperm use. It is well-known that female flies are not simply passive vessels and that female-mediated interactions with male products are important to female (and thus male) reproductive success. While the population genetics, molecular evolution and physiological effects of seminal fluid proteins have been examined, the genetics and evolution of the female side of these post-mating interactions is unexplored in spite of work showing that female genotype and female-by-male genotype interactions are important determinants of sperm competition outcomes. Here we use microarrays to identify candidate genes involved in the female side of post-mating sexual interactions. We report the results of a whole-genome oligonucleotide chip experiment that reveals 23 genes differentially expressed between virgin females exposed and unexposed to courting males, and 38 genes differentially expressed between virgin and recently mated females. Immune related genes are overrepresented among the mating-influenced candidates. We use quantitative reverse-transcriptase PCR to independently assess gene expression changes for roughly half of the mating-affected candidate genes.Key words: reproduction, gene expression, Drosophila immune related genes, serine proteases, accessory gland proteins.

scholarly journals Male Seminal Fluid Proteins Are Essential for Sperm Storage in Drosophila melanogaster

Genetics ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 153 (2) ◽  
pp. 837-844 ◽  
Author(s):  
Uyen Tram ◽  
Mariana F Wolfner
Keyword(s):  
Drosophila Melanogaster ◽  
Seminal Fluid ◽  
Accessory Gland ◽  
Sperm Storage ◽  
Competitive Pcr ◽  
Seminal Fluid Proteins ◽  
Pcr Assays ◽  
Transgenic Drosophila ◽  
Direct Counts

AbstractThe seminal fluid that is transferred along with sperm during mating acts in many ways to maximize a male’s reproductive success. Here, we use transgenic Drosophila melanogaster males deficient in the seminal fluid proteins derived from the accessory gland (Acps) to investigate the role of these proteins in the fate of sperm transferred to females during mating. Competitive PCR assays were used to show that while Acps contribute to the efficiency of sperm transfer, they are not essential for the transfer of sperm to the female. In contrast, we found that Acps are essential for storage of sperm by females. Direct counts of stored sperm showed that 10% of normal levels are stored by females whose mates transfer little or no Acps along with sperm.

scholarly journals Regulation of Mating-Induced Increase in Female Germline Stem Cells in the Fruit Fly Drosophila melanogaster

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryo Hoshino ◽  
Ryusuke Niwa
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cells ◽  
Drosophila Melanogaster ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Seminal Fluid ◽  
Fruit Fly ◽  
Egg Laying ◽  
Germline Stem Cells ◽  
Humoral Factors ◽  
Mating Response ◽  
Sex Peptide

In many insect species, mating stimuli can lead to changes in various behavioral and physiological responses, including feeding, mating refusal, egg-laying behavior, energy demand, and organ remodeling, which are collectively known as the post-mating response. Recently, an increase in germline stem cells (GSCs) has been identified as a new post-mating response in both males and females of the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster. We have extensively studied mating-induced increase in female GSCs of D. melanogaster at the molecular, cellular, and systemic levels. After mating, the male seminal fluid peptide [e.g. sex peptide (SP)] is transferred to the female uterus. This is followed by binding to the sex peptide receptor (SPR), which evokes post-mating responses, including increase in number of female GSCs. Downstream of SP-SPR signaling, the following three hormones and neurotransmitters have been found to act on female GSC niche cells to regulate mating-induced increase in female GSCs: (1) neuropeptide F, a peptide hormone produced in enteroendocrine cells; (2) octopamine, a monoaminergic neurotransmitter synthesized in ovary-projecting neurons; and (3) ecdysone, a steroid hormone produced in ovarian follicular cells. These humoral factors are secreted from each organ and are received by ovarian somatic cells and regulate the strength of niche signaling in female GSCs. This review provides an overview of the latest findings on the inter-organ relationship to regulate mating-induced female GSC increase in D. melanogaster as a model. We also discuss the remaining issues that should be addressed in the future.

scholarly journals Mated Drosophila melanogaster Females Require a Seminal Fluid Protein, Acp36DE, to Store Sperm Efficiently

Genetics ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 153 (2) ◽  
pp. 845-857 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deborah M Neubaum ◽  
Mariana F Wolfner
Keyword(s):  
Drosophila Melanogaster ◽  
Seminal Fluid ◽  
Sperm Storage ◽  
Egg Laying ◽  
Limited Area ◽  
Seminal Fluid Proteins ◽  
Barrier Formation ◽  
Storage Organs ◽  
Initial Storage ◽  
Seminal Fluid Protein

Abstract Mated females of many animal species store sperm. Sperm storage profoundly influences the number, timing, and paternity of the female’s progeny. To investigate mechanisms for sperm storage in Drosophila melanogaster, we generated and analyzed mutations in Acp36DE. Acp36DE is a male seminal fluid protein whose localization in mated females suggested a role in sperm storage. We report that male-derived Acp36DE is essential for efficient sperm storage by females. Acp36DE1 (null) mutant males produced and transferred normal amounts of sperm and seminal fluid proteins. However, mates of Acp36DE1 males stored only 15% as many sperm and produced 10% as many adult progeny as control-mated females. Moreover, without Acp36DE, mated females failed to maintain an elevated egg-laying rate and decreased receptivity, behaviors whose persistence (but not initiation) normally depends on the presence of stored sperm. Previous studies suggested that a barrier in the oviduct confines sperm and Acp36DE to a limited area near the storage organs. We show that Acp36DE is not required for barrier formation, but both Acp36DE and the barrier are required for maximal sperm storage. Acp36DE associates tightly with sperm. Our results indicate that Acp36DE is essential for the initial storage of sperm, and that it may also influence the arrangement and retention of stored sperm.

scholarly journals Genetic coordination of sperm morphology and seminal fluid proteins promotes male reproductive success in Drosophila melanogaster

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jake Galvin ◽  
Erica Larson ◽  
Sevan Yedigarian ◽  
Mohammad Rahman ◽  
Kirill Borziak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drosophila Melanogaster ◽  
Reproductive Success ◽  
Sperm Competition ◽  
Seminal Fluid ◽  
Fertilization Success ◽  
Male Reproductive Success ◽  
Sperm Length ◽  
Seminal Fluid Proteins ◽  
Female Remating ◽  
Paternity Success

Spermatozoal morphology is highly variable both among and within species and in ways that can significantly impact fertilization success. In Drosophila melanogaster, paternity success depends on sperm length of both competing males and length of the female's primary sperm storage organ. We found that genes upregulated in long sperm testes are enriched for lncRNAs and seminal fluid proteins (Sfps). Transferred in seminal fluid to the female during mating, Sfps are secreted by the male accessory glands (AG) and affect female remating rate, physiology, and behavior with concomitant advantages for male reproductive success. Despite being upregulated in long sperm testes, they have no known function in testis tissue. We found that Sex Peptide and ovulin (Acp26Aa) knockouts resulted in shorter sperm, suggesting that Sfps may regulate sperm length during spermatogenesis. However, knockout of AG function did not affect sperm length, suggesting that AG expression has no influence on spermatogenic processes. We also found that long sperm males are better able to delay female remating, suggesting higher Sfp expression in AG. These results might suggest that long sperm males have a double advantage in sperm competition by both delaying female remating, likely through transfer of more Sfps, and by resisting sperm displacement. However, we also found that this extra advantage does not necessarily translate to more progeny or higher paternity success. Thus, we found that multiple components of the ejaculate coordinate to promote male reproductive success at different stages of reproduction, but the realized fitness advantages in sperm competition are uncertain.

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