Nature Communications (May 2024)

Spatially revealed roles for lncRNAs in Drosophila spermatogenesis, Y chromosome function and evolution

  • Zhantao Shao,
  • Jack Hu,
  • Allison Jandura,
  • Ronit Wilk,
  • Matthew Jachimowicz,
  • Lingfeng Ma,
  • Chun Hu,
  • Abby Sundquist,
  • Indrani Das,
  • Phillip Samuel-Larbi,
  • Julie A. Brill,
  • Henry M. Krause

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-47346-w
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 15, no. 1
pp. 1 – 13

Abstract

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Abstract Unlike coding genes, the number of lncRNA genes in organism genomes is relatively proportional to organism complexity. From plants to humans, the tissues with highest numbers and levels of lncRNA gene expression are the male reproductive organs. To learn why, we initiated a genome-wide analysis of Drosophila lncRNA spatial expression patterns in these tissues. The numbers of genes and levels of expression observed greatly exceed those previously reported, due largely to a preponderance of non-polyadenylated transcripts. In stark contrast to coding genes, the highest numbers of lncRNAs expressed are in post-meiotic spermatids. Correlations between expression levels, localization and previously performed genetic analyses indicate high levels of function and requirement. More focused analyses indicate that lncRNAs play major roles in evolution by controlling transposable element activities, Y chromosome gene expression and sperm construction. A new type of lncRNA-based particle found in seminal fluid may also contribute to reproductive outcomes.