Differential expression of non-coding RNAs and continuous evolution of the X chromosome in testicular transcriptome of two mouse species.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Tight regulation of testicular gene expression is a prerequisite for male reproductive success, while differentiation of gene activity in spermatogenesis is important during speciation. Thus, comparison of testicular transcriptomes between closely related species can reveal unique regulatory patterns and shed light on evolutionary constraints separating the species.

Methodology/principal findings

Here, we compared testicular transcriptomes of two closely related mouse species, Mus musculus and Mus spretus, which diverged more than one million years ago. We analyzed testicular expression using tiling arrays overlapping Chromosomes 2, X, Y and mitochondrial genome. An excess of differentially regulated non-coding RNAs was found on Chromosome 2 including the intronic

SUBMITTER: Homolka D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3038937 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature