Transcriptomic analysis of feminizing somatic stem cells in the <i>Drosophila</i> testis reveals putative downstream effectors of the transcription factor Chinmo

Abstract

AbstractOne of the best examples of sexual dimorphism is the development and function of the gonads, ovaries and testes, which produce sex-specific gametes, oocytes, and spermatids, respectively. The development of these specialized germ cells requires sex-matched somatic support cells. The sexual identity of somatic gonadal cells is specified during development and must be actively maintained during adulthood. We previously showed that the transcription factor Chinmo is required to ensure the male sexual identity of somatic support cells in the Drosophila melanogasterchinmochinmoDrosophilachinmo