Linkage and segregation distortion in Drosophila melanogaster

Genome ◽  
1989 ◽  
Vol 32 (5) ◽  
pp. 840-846 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cecil B. Sharp ◽  
Arthur J. Hilliker
Keyword(s):  
Drosophila Melanogaster ◽  
Y Chromosome ◽  
Segregation Distortion ◽  
Homologous Chromosome ◽  
Meiotic Drive ◽  
Major Effect ◽  
Chromosome 2 ◽  
Genetic Elements ◽  
Segregation Distorter ◽  
Per Se

Segregation distortion is caused by a group of genetic elements in and near the centric heterochromatin of chromosome 2 of Drosophila melanogaster. These elements promote their preferential recovery in heterozygous males by rendering sperm bearing the homologous chromosome dysfunctional. Previous work has shown that numerous Y–autosome translocations are associated with the suppression of the segregation distorter phenotype. The present study examined the effects of translocations between the major autosomes upon the expression of segregation distortion. Autosomal translocations involving either the segregation distorter chromosome or its sensitive homologue had no significant effect upon the expression of segregation distortion. These results argue that linkage arrangement per se may not have a major effect on segregation distortion. The suppression of SD by specific Y–autosomal translocations may be due to the disruption of elements on the Y chromosome that are important for the expression of SD.Key words: segregation distortion, meiotic drive, translocations, Drosophila melanogaster.

scholarly journals ON THE COMPONENTS OF SEGREGATION DISTORTION IN DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER

Genetics ◽  
1977 ◽  
Vol 86 (2) ◽  
pp. 321-355
Author(s):  
Barry Ganetzky
Keyword(s):  
Drosophila Melanogaster ◽  
Segregation Distortion ◽  
Meiotic Drive ◽  
Chromosome 2 ◽  
Induced Mutations ◽  
Distorted Segregation ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Naturally Occurring ◽  
Segregation Distorter

ABSTRACT The segregation distorter (SD) complex is a naturally occurring meiotic drive system with the property that males heterozygous for an SD-bearing chromosome 2 and an SD  +-bearing homolog transmit the SD-bearing chromosome almost exclusively. This distorted segregation is the consequence of an induced dysfunction of those sperm that receive the SD  + homolog. From previous studies, two loci have been implicated in this phenomenon: the Sd locus which is required to produce distortion, and the Responder (Rsp) locus that is the site at which Sd acts. There are two allelic alternatives of Rsp—sensitive (Rspsens) and insensitive (Rspins); a chromosome carrying Rspins is not distorted by SD. In the present study, the function and location of each of these elements was examined by a genetic and cytological characterization of X-ray-induced mutations at each locus. The results indicate the following: (1) the Rsp locus is located in the proximal heterochromatin of 2R; (2) a deletion for the Rsp locus renders a chromosome insensitive to distortion; (3) the Sd locus is located to the left of pr(2-54.5), in the region from 37D2-D7 to 38A6-B2 of the salivary chromosome map; (4) an SD chromosome deleted for Sd loses its ability to distort; (5) there is another important component of the SD system, E(SD), in or near the proximal heterochromatin of 2L, that behaves as a strong enhancer of distortion. The results of these studies allow a reinterpretation of results from earlier analyses of the SD system and serve to limit the possible mechanisms to account for segregation distortion.

Genetic analysis of the second chromosome centromeric heterochromatin of Drosophila melanogaster

Genome ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 46 (3) ◽  
pp. 343-352 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alistair B Coulthard ◽  
Daniel F Eberl ◽  
Cecil B Sharp ◽  
Arthur J Hilliker
Keyword(s):  
Drosophila Melanogaster ◽  
Genetic Analysis ◽  
Centromeric Heterochromatin ◽  
Chromosome 2 ◽  
Lethal Mutant ◽  
Genetic Elements ◽  
Unpublished Work ◽  
Segregation Distorter ◽  
Mutant Phenotypes

Here we bring together our published and unpublished work with recent published findings of other laboratories to provide a revised map of the centromeric heterochromatin of chromosome 2 and descriptions of the 21 genetic elements therein. These elements consist of 16 vital loci, one male and one female sterile loci, one Minute locus, and two components of the Segregation Distorter system. Based on our latest analysis of the lethal mutant phenotypes of the vital genes, we have provided names for several genes that were previously known by their lethal number assignments.Key words: heterochromatin, Drosophila, cytogenetics.

scholarly journals Examination of a mutable system affecting the components of the segregation distorter meiotic drive system of Drosophila melanogaster.

Genetics ◽  
1990 ◽  
Vol 125 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-76
Author(s):  
K G Golic
Keyword(s):  
Drosophila Melanogaster ◽  
Transposable Element ◽  
X Chromosome ◽  
Segregation Distortion ◽  
Chromosomal Rearrangements ◽  
Meiotic Drive ◽  
Drive System ◽  
Partial Loss ◽  
Segregation Distorter ◽  
Relationship Of

Abstract Segregation distortion in Drosophila melanogaster is the result of an interaction between the genetic elements Sd, a Rsp sensitive to Sd, and an array of modifiers, that results in the death of sperm carrying Rsp. A stock (designated M-5; cn bw) has been constructed which has the property of inducing the partial loss of sensitivity from previously sensitive cn bw chromosomes, the partial loss of distorting ability from SD chromosomes, and a concomitant acquisition of modifiers on the X chromosome and possibly also on the autosomes. By several criteria the changes exhibited under the influence of M-5; cn bw are characteristic of the transposable-element systems which produce hybrid dysgenesis. In the first place, the magnitude of these effects depends on the nature of the crosses performed. The analogy is further strengthened by the observation that the changes induced by M-5; cn bw share other stigmata of Drosophila transposable-element systems, including high sterility among the progeny of outcrosses, and the production of chromosomal rearrangements. The possible relationship of this system to the P, I and hobo transposable element systems is discussed, as well as its bearing on aspects of the Segregation Distorter phenomenon which have yet to be explained.

scholarly journals ON THE COMPONENTS OF SEGREGATION DISTORTION IN DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER. III. NATURE OF ENHANCER OF SD

Genetics ◽  
1984 ◽  
Vol 107 (3) ◽  
pp. 423-434
Author(s):  
John G Brittnacher ◽  
Barry Ganetzky
Keyword(s):  
Drosophila Melanogaster ◽  
Segregation Distortion ◽  
Allelic Variation ◽  
Meiotic Drive ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Segregation Distorter ◽  
In Cis ◽  
General Component

ABSTRACT Analysis of X-ray-induced deletions in the Segregation Distorter (SD) chromosome, SD-5, revealed that this chromosome had a gene proximal to lt in the centric heterochromatin of 2L that strongly enhanced the meiotic drive caused by the SD chromosome. This Enhancer of Segregation Distortion [E(SD)] locus had not been characterized in earlier studies of SD chromosomes because it cannot be readily separated by recombination from the Responder (Rsp) locus in the proximal heterochromatin of 2R.—To determine whether E(SD) is a general component of all SD chromosomes and to examine further its effects on distortion, we produced deletions of E(SD) in three additional SD chromosomes. Analysis of these deletions leads to the following conclusions: (1) along with Sd and Rsp, E(SD) is common to all SD chromosomes; (2) the E(SD) allele on each SD chromosome enhances distortion by the same amount, which indicates that allelic variation at the E(SD) locus is not responsible for the different drive strengths seen among SD chromosomes; (3) E(SD) causes very little or no distortion by itself in the absence of Sd; (4) E(SD), like Sd, acts in a dosage-dependent manner; (5) E(SD) exerts its effect in cis or trans to Sd; and (6) if E(SD)  + exists, its function is not related to SD.

scholarly journals The effect of novel chromosome position and variable dose on the genetic behavior of the Responder (Rsp) element of the Segregation distorter (SD) system of Drosophila melanogaster.

Genetics ◽  
1989 ◽  
Vol 121 (4) ◽  
pp. 751-763 ◽  
Author(s):  
T W Lyttle
Keyword(s):  
Drosophila Melanogaster ◽  
Y Chromosome ◽  
Meiotic Drive ◽  
Meiotic Pairing ◽  
Genetic Element ◽  
Chromosome Position ◽  
Segregation Distorter ◽  
Sensitive Allele ◽  
Sperm Dysfunction ◽  
Variable Dose

Abstract In the Segregation distorter (SD) system of meiotic drive, a minimum of two trans-acting elements [Sd and E(SD)] act in concert to cause a certain probability of dysfunction for sperm carrying a sensitive allele at the Responder (Rsp) target locus. By employing a number of insertional translocations of autosomal material into the long arm of the Y chromosome, Rsp can be mapped as the most proximal locus in the 2R heterochromatin as defined both by cytology and lethal complementation tests. Several of these insertional translocations result in the transposition of Rsp to the Y chromosome, where its sensitivity remains virtually unaltered. This argues that Rsp is separable from the second chromosome centromere, that its behavior does not depend on its gross chromosomal position, and that meiotic pairing of the chromosomes carrying the various SD elements is not a prerequisite for sperm dysfunction. Several other translocations apparently leave both resulting chromosomes at least partially sensitive to SD action, suggesting that Rsp is a large subdivisible genetic element. This view is compatible with observations published elsewhere that suggest that Rsp is a cytologically large region of highly repetitive AT-rich DNA. The availability of Y-linked copies of Rsp also allows the construction of SD males carrying two independently segregating Rsp alleles; this in turn allows the production of sperm with zero, one or two Rsp copies from the same male. Examination of the relative recovery proportions of progeny arising from these gametes suggests that sperm with two Rsp copies survive at much lower frequencies than would be predicted if each Rsp acted independently in causing sperm dysfunction. Possible explanations for such behavior are discussed.

scholarly journals Transposition of the Responder element (Rsp) of the Segregation distorter system (SD) to the X chromosome in Drosophila melanogaster.

Genetics ◽  
1989 ◽  
Vol 122 (1) ◽  
pp. 81-86 ◽  
Author(s):  
E S Walker ◽  
T W Lyttle ◽  
J C Lucchesi
Keyword(s):  
Drosophila Melanogaster ◽  
Y Chromosome ◽  
X Chromosome ◽  
Meiotic Drive ◽  
Genetic System ◽  
Drive System ◽  
Potential Utility ◽  
X Chromosomes ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
Segregation Distorter

Abstract In order to test whether the meiotic drive system Segregation distorter (SD) can operate on the X chromosome to exclude it from functional sperm, we have transposed the Responder locus (Rsp) to this element. This was accomplished by inducing detachments of a compound-X chromosome in females carrying a Y chromosome bearing a Rsps allele. Six Responder-sensitive-bearing X chromosomes, with kappa values ranging from 0.90 to 1.00, were established as permanent lines. Two of these have been characterized more extensively with respect to various parameters affecting meiotic drive. SD males with a Responder-sensitive X chromosome produce almost exclusively male embryos, while those with a Rsp-Y chromosome produce almost exclusively female embryos. This provides a genetic system of great potential utility for the study of early sex-specific differentiation events as it allows the collection of large numbers of embryos of a given sex.

scholarly journals MULTIPLE MEIOTIC DRIVE SYSTEMS IN THE DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER MALE

Genetics ◽  
1972 ◽  
Vol 72 (1) ◽  
pp. 105-115
Author(s):  
George L Gabor Miklos ◽  
Armon F Yanders ◽  
W J Peacock
Keyword(s):  
Drosophila Melanogaster ◽  
Survival Probability ◽  
Sex Chromosome ◽  
Meiotic Drive ◽  
The Other ◽  
Segregation Distorter ◽  
Two Systems ◽  
Combined Action ◽  
Drive Systems

ABSTRACT The behaviour of two "meiotic drive" systems, Segregation-Distorter (SD) and the sex chromosome sc4sc8 has been examined in the same meiocyte. It has been found that the two systems interact in a specific way. When the distorting effects of SD and sc4sc8 are against each other, there is no detectable interaction. Each system is apparently oblivious to the presence of the other, gametes being produced according to independence expectations. However when the affected chromosomes are at the same meiotic pole an interaction occurs; the survival probability of the gamete containing both distorted chromosomal products is increased, rather than being decreased by the combined action of two systems.

scholarly journals ON THE COMPONENTS OF SEGREGATION DISTORTION IN DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER. II. DELETION MAPPING AND DOSAGE ANALYSIS OF THE SD LOCUS

Genetics ◽  
1983 ◽  
Vol 103 (4) ◽  
pp. 659-673
Author(s):  
John G Brittnacher ◽  
Barry Ganetzky
Keyword(s):  
Salivary Gland ◽  
Segregation Distortion ◽  
Complete Loss ◽  
Deletion Mapping ◽  
Chromosome 2 ◽  
Isolation And Characterization ◽  
Segregation Distorter ◽  
Sperm Dysfunction ◽  
Made In

ABSTRACT Segregation distorter (SD) chromosomes are preferentially transmitted to offspring from heterozygous SD/SD  + males owing to the induced dysfunction of the SD  +-bearing sperm. This phenomenon involves at least two major loci: the Sd locus whose presence is necessary for distortion to occur and the Rsp locus which acts as the site of Sd action. Several additional loci on SD chromosomes enhance distortion.—In a previous study deletions were used to map the Sd locus and to determine some of its properties. We have extended this analysis with the isolation and characterization of 14 new deletions in the Sd region. From our results we conclude (1) SD chromosomes contain a single Sd locus located in region 37D2-6 of the salivary gland chromosome map. Deletion of this locus in any of three SD chromosomes now studied results in complete loss of ability to distort a sensitive chromosome; (2) the reduced male fecundity observed in many homozygous SD or SDi/SDj combinations is due at least in part to the action of the Sd locus. The fecundity of these males can be substantially increased by deletion of one Sd locus. Thus, it is the presence of two doses of Sd rather than the absence of Sd  + that produces the lowered male fecundity in SD homozygotes; (3) Sd behaves as a neomorph, whereas Sd  +, if it exists at all, is amorphic with respect to segregation distortion; (4) these results support a model in which the Sd product is made in limiting amounts and the interaction of this product with the Rsp locus causes sperm dysfunction. The Sd product appears to act preferentially at Rsps (sensitive-Responder) but may also act at Rspi (insensitive-Responder).

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