Supergene evolution via gain of auto-regulation.

ABSTRACT: The development of complex phenotypes requires the coordinated action of many genes across space and time, yet many species have evolved the ability to develop multiple discrete, alternate phenotypes^1-3. Such polymorphisms are often controlled by supergenes, sets of tightly-linked mutations in one or more loci that function together to produce a complex phenotype⁴. Although theories of supergene evolution are well-established, the mutations that cause functional differences between supergene alleles remain essentially unknown. doublesex is the master regulator of insect sexual differentiation but functions as a supergene in multiple Papilio swallowtail butterflies, where divergent dsx alleles control development of discrete non-mimetic or mimetic female wing color patterns^5-7. Here we demonstrate that the functional elements of the mimetic allele in Papilio alphenor are six new cis-regulatory elements (CREs) spread across 150 kb that are bound by DSX itself. Our findings provide experimental support to classic supergene theory and suggest that the evolution of auto-regulation may provide a simple route to supergene origination and to the co-option of pleiotropic genes into new developmental roles.

SUBMITTER: VanKuren NW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10802445 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature