Sex-specific evolution of a Drosophila sensory system via interacting cis- and trans-regulatory changes.

ABSTRACT: The evolution of gene expression via cis-regulatory changes is well established as a major driver of phenotypic evolution. However, relatively little is known about the influence of enhancer architecture and intergenic interactions on regulatory evolution. We address this question by examining chemosensory system evolution in Drosophila. Drosophila prolongata males show a massively increased number of chemosensory bristles compared to females and males of sibling species. This increase is driven by sex-specific transformation of ancestrally mechanosensory organs. Consistent with this phenotype, the Pox neuro transcription factor (Poxn), which specifies chemosensory bristle identity, shows expanded expression in D. prolongata males. Poxn expression is controlled by nonadditive interactions

SUBMITTER: Luecke D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9179014 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature