Gene age shapes functional and evolutionary properties of the <i>Drosophila</i> seminal fluid proteome.

ABSTRACT: Seminal fluid proteins (Sfps) are crucial for animal reproductive success, with Sfp-encoding genes believed to be evolutionarily young due to heightened rates of gene loss and gain and rapidly evolving at the sequence level relative to other genes. Using estimates of the phylogenetic origin of each Drosophila melanogaster Sfp gene, based on genomic resources that include outgroup species to the Drosophila genus, we examined the functional attributes and evolutionary characteristics of 357 Sfp genes relative to their evolutionary age. Contrary to the perception that many Sfp genes are evolutionarily young, 62% existed in the genome of the ancestor to this genus. These ancient genes have broader expression profiles, more expansive biological roles, and have more interactions wi

SUBMITTER: Ranz JM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12541329 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature