Yassi Hafezi

Abstract Unique patterns of inheritance and selection on Y chromosomes have led to the evolution of specialized gene functions. We report CRISPR mutants in Drosophila of the Y-linked gene, WDY, which is required for male fertility. We demonstrate that the sperm tails of WDY mutants beat approximately half as fast as those of wild-type and that mutant sperm do not propel themselves within the male ejaculatory duct or female reproductive tract.

New Results doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.02.02.526876 Abstract Unique patterns of inheritance and selection on Y chromosomes leads to the evolution of specialized gene functions. Yet characterizing the function of genes on Y chromosomes is notoriously difficult. We created CRISPR mutants in Drosophila of the Y-linked gene, WDY, which is required for male fertility.

Abstract Gene-poor, repeat-rich regions of the genome are poorly understood and have been understudied due to technical challenges and the misconception that they are degenerating “junk.” Yet multiple lines of evidence indicate these regions may be an important source of variation that could drive adaptation and species divergence, particularly through regulation of fertility.