Male-killing symbiont damages host's dosage-compensated sex chromosome to induce embryonic apoptosis

41Citations
Citations of this article
118Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.

This article is free to access.

Abstract

Some symbiotic bacteria are capable of interfering with host reproduction in selfish ways. How such bacteria can manipulate host's sex-related mechanisms is of fundamental interest encompassing cell, developmental and evolutionary biology. Here, we uncover the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying Spiroplasma-induced embryonic male lethality in Drosophila melanogaster. Transcriptomic analysis reveals that many genes related to DNA damage and apoptosis are up-regulated specifically in infected male embryos. Detailed genetic and cytological analyses demonstrate that male-killing Spiroplasma causes DNA damage on the male X chromosome interacting with the male-specific lethal (MSL) complex. The damaged male X chromosome exhibits a chromatin bridge during mitosis, and bridge breakage triggers sex-specific abnormal apoptosis via p53-dependent pathways. Notably, the MSL complex is not only necessary but also sufficient for this cytotoxic process. These results highlight symbiont's sophisticated strategy to target host's sex chromosome and recruit host's molecular cascades toward massive apoptosis in a sex-specific manner.

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Harumoto, T., Anbutsu, H., Lemaitre, B., & Fukatsu, T. (2016). Male-killing symbiont damages host’s dosage-compensated sex chromosome to induce embryonic apoptosis. Nature Communications, 7. https://doi.org/10.1038/ncomms12781

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free