Identification of a micropeptide and multiple secondary cell genes that modulate Drosophila male reproductive success.
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A
; 118(15)2021 04 13.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-33876742
ABSTRACT
Even in well-characterized genomes, many transcripts are considered noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) simply due to the absence of large open reading frames (ORFs). However, it is now becoming clear that many small ORFs (smORFs) produce peptides with important biological functions. In the process of characterizing the ribosome-bound transcriptome of an important cell type of the seminal fluid-producing accessory gland of Drosophila melanogaster, we detected an RNA, previously thought to be noncoding, called male-specific abdominal (msa). Notably, msa is nested in the HOX gene cluster of the Bithorax complex and is known to contain a micro-RNA within one of its introns. We find that this RNA encodes a "micropeptide" (9 or 20 amino acids, MSAmiP) that is expressed exclusively in the secondary cells of the male accessory gland, where it seems to accumulate in nuclei. Importantly, loss of function of this micropeptide causes defects in sperm competition. In addition to bringing insights into the biology of a rare cell type, this work underlines the importance of small peptides, a class of molecules that is now emerging as important actors in complex biological processes.
Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Bases de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Espermatozoides
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Mutación con Pérdida de Función
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Infertilidad Masculina
Tipo de estudio:
Diagnostic_studies
Límite:
Animals
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A
Año:
2021
Tipo del documento:
Article