A putative de novo evolved gene required for spermatid chromatin condensation in Drosophila melanogaster.

ABSTRACT: Comparative genomics has enabled the identification of genes that potentially evolved de novo from non-coding sequences. Many such genes are expressed in male reproductive tissues, but their functions remain poorly understood. To address this, we conducted a functional genetic screen of over 40 putative de novo genes with testis-enriched expression in Drosophila melanogaster and identified one gene, atlas, required for male fertility. Detailed genetic and cytological analyses showed that atlas is required for proper chromatin condensation during the final stages of spermatogenesis. Atlas protein is expressed in spermatid nuclei and facilitates the transition from histone- to protamine-based chromatin packaging. Complementary evolutionary analyses revealed the complex evolutionary history o

SUBMITTER: Rivard EL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8445463 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature