Sox5 is involved in germ-cell regulation and sex determination in medaka following co-option of nested transposable elements.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Sex determination relies on a hierarchically structured network of genes, and is one of the most plastic processes in evolution. The evolution of sex-determining genes within a network, by neo- or sub-functionalization, also requires the regulatory landscape to be rewired to accommodate these novel gene functions. We previously showed that in medaka fish, the regulatory landscape of the master male-determining gene dmrt1bY underwent a profound rearrangement, concomitantly with acquiring a dominant position within the sex-determining network. This rewiring was brought about by the exaptation of a transposable element (TE) called Izanagi, which is co-opted to act as a silencer to turn off the dmrt1bY gene after it performed its function in sex determination.

Results

SUBMITTER: Schartl M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5789577 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature