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10-Minute Presentation

Systematics, Evolution, and Biodiversity

10-min: SysEB, Genomics and Evolution

Evolutionary genomics of speciation: Uncovering a novel mechanism of postmating molecular interactions

Wednesday, November 13, 2024
11:06 AM – 11:18 AM MST
Location: Phoenix Convention Center, 131 A, PCC
Oral Presentation
Although RNA is found in the seminal fluid of diverse organisms, it is unknown whether this RNA is functional within females. We have developed an experimental proteomic method called VESPA (Variant Enabled SILAC Proteomic Analysis) to test the hypothesis that Drosophila male seminal fluid RNA is translated by females. We find strong evidence for 67 male-derived, female-translated proteins (mdFTPs) in female lower reproductive tracts at six hours postmating, many with predicted functions relevant to reproduction. Gene knockout experiments indicate that genes coding for mdFTPs play diverse roles in postmating interactions, with effects on fertilization success, and the formation and persistence of the insemination reaction mass, a trait hypothesized to be involved in sexual conflict. These findings advance our understanding of reproduction by revealing a novel mechanism of postmating molecular interactions between the sexes that strengthens and extends male influences on reproductive outcomes in previously unrecognized ways. Given the diverse species known to carry RNA in seminal fluid, this discovery has broad significance for understanding molecular mechanisms of cooperation and conflict during reproduction.