Large neurological component to genetic differences underlying biased sperm use in Drosophila.

ABSTRACT: Sperm competition arises as a result of complex interactions among male and female factors. While the roles of some male factors are known, little is known of the molecules or mechanisms that underlie the female contribution to sperm competition. The genetic tools available for Drosophila allow us to identify, in an unbiased manner, candidate female genes that are critical for mediating sperm competition outcomes. We first screened for differences in female sperm storage and use patterns by characterizing the natural variation in sperm competition in a set of 39 lines from the sequenced Drosophila Genetic Reference Panel (DGRP) of wild-derived inbred lines. We found extensive female variation in sperm competition outcomes. To generate a list of candidate female genes for functional studies

SUBMITTER: Chow CY 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3527244 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature