Regulation of male fertility and accessory gland gene expression by the Drosophila HR39 nuclear receptor.

ABSTRACT: Successful reproduction is dependent on the transfer of male seminal proteins to females upon mating. These proteins arise from secretory tissues in the male reproductive tract, including the prostate and seminal vesicles in mammals and the accessory gland in insects. Although detailed functional studies have provided important insights into the mechanisms by which accessory gland proteins support reproduction, much less is known about the molecular mechanisms that regulate their expression within this tissue. Here we show that the Drosophila HR39 nuclear receptor is required for the proper expression of most genes that encode male accessory gland proteins. Consistent with this role, HR39 mutant males are infertile. In addition, tissue-specific RNAi and genetic rescue experiments indicate

SUBMITTER: Praggastis SA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8410687 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature