Accelerated pseudogenization on the neo-X chromosome in Drosophila miranda

Nat Commun. 2016 Nov 29:7:13659. doi: 10.1038/ncomms13659.

Abstract

Y chromosomes often degenerate via the accumulation of pseudogenes and transposable elements. By contrast, little is known about X-chromosome degeneration. Here we compare the pseudogenization process between genes on the neo-sex chromosomes in Drosophila miranda and their autosomal orthologues in closely related species. The pseudogenization rate on the neo-X is much lower than the rate on the neo-Y, but appears to be higher than the rate on the orthologous autosome in D. pseudoobscura. Genes under less functional constraint and/or genes with male-biased expression tend to become pseudogenes on the neo-X, indicating the accumulation of slightly deleterious mutations and the feminization of the neo-X. We also find a weak trend that the genes with female-benefit/male-detriment effects identified in D. melanogaster are pseudogenized on the neo-X, implying the masculinization of the neo-X. These observations suggest that both X and Y chromosomes can degenerate due to a complex suite of evolutionary forces.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Drosophila / genetics*
  • Evolution, Molecular
  • Female
  • Feminization
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Genes, X-Linked
  • Karyotyping
  • Male
  • Phylogeny
  • Pseudogenes*
  • X Chromosome / genetics*
  • Y Chromosome / genetics