Rapid evolution of a Y-chromosome heterochromatin protein underlies sex chromosome meiotic drive
Abstract
Intragenomic conflict between the sex chromosomes is a strong evolutionary force. It can arise through the evolution of sex chromosome meiotic drive, where selfish genes located on the X chromosome promote their own transmission at the expense of the Y chromosome. Sex chromosome drive occurs in Drosophila simulans, where Paris drive results from segregation failure of the heterochromatic Y chromosome during meiosis II. Here, we show that Paris drive is caused by deficient alleles of the fast-evolving X-linked heterochromatin protein 1 D2 (HP1D2) gene. Our results suggest that dysfunctional HP1D2 alleles promote their own transmission, because they do not prepare the Y chromosome for meiosis. This finding shows that the rapid evolution of genes involved in heterochromatin structure can fuel intragenomic conflict.
- Publication:
-
Proceedings of the National Academy of Science
- Pub Date:
- April 2016
- DOI:
- 10.1073/pnas.1519332113
- Bibcode:
- 2016PNAS..113.4110H