A W chromosome-derived feminizing piRNA in pyralid moths demonstrates convergent evolution for primary sex determination signals in Lepidoptera.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The primary signals of sex determination in insects are diverse and evolve erratically. This also appears to be the case with moths and butterflies. In the silkworm Bombyx mori, female development is triggered by a W chromosome-derived Feminizer (Fem) piRNA that degrades the mRNA of the Z-linked Masculinizer (Masc) gene, which controls male development. We investigated whether this mechanism is conserved in another group of Lepidoptera.

Results

We identified a putative feminizing piRNA and many partial copies of the EkMasc gene on the W chromosome of Ephestia kuehniella. The piRNA is generated by a repetitive W-linked sequence named E. kuehniella Moth-overruler-of-masculinization (EkMom). EkMom piRNA shows high similarity to a region of Z-linked EkMasc and is expr

SUBMITTER: Visser S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12487030 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature