The Drosophila simulans Y chromosome interacts with the autosomes to influence male fitness |
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Authors: | C R Archer R M Stephens M D Sharma D J Hosken |
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Institution: | Science and Engineering Research Support Facility Centre for Ecology & Conservation, School of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Penryn, UK |
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Abstract: | The Y chromosome should degenerate because it cannot recombine. However, male‐limited transmission increases selection efficiency for male‐benefit alleles on the Y, and therefore, Y chromosomes should contribute significantly to variation in male fitness. This means that although the Drosophila Y chromosome is small and gene‐poor, Y‐linked genes are vital for male fertility in Drosophila melanogaster and the Y chromosome has large male fitness effects. It is unclear whether the same pattern is seen in the closely related Drosophila simulans. We backcrossed Y chromosomes from three geographic locations into five genetic backgrounds and found strong Y and genetic background effects on male fertility. There was a significant Y‐background interaction, indicating substantial epistasis between the Y and autosomal genes affecting male fertility. This supports accumulating evidence that interactions between the Y chromosome and the autosomes are key determinants of male fitness. |
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Keywords: | coevolution
Drosophila simulans
epistasis
ebony
fertility |
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