Single-cell consequences of X-linked meiotic drive in stalk-eyed flies
Single-cell consequences of X-linked meiotic drive in stalk-eyed flies
Tags: Chromosomal drive, Insects, Selfish genetic elements, Sex distorter, X chromosomePrice PD, Parkus SM, Lloyd VJ, Alston BT, Bradshaw SL, Bates S, et al., PLoS Genet, 21. 2025.
Meiotic drivers, a class of selfish gene, are frequently located on sex chromosomes and have dramatic impacts on gamete development. However, our understanding of their molecular consequences for gamete production and sex chromosome regulation has focused on a handful of model organisms. In this study, we use single-cell RNA-sequencing approaches to produce a single-cell atlas of the testis of the stalk-eyed fly, Teleopsis dalmanni. This species harbours an X-linked meiotic driver where drive males produce more than 90% female offspring. First, we generate a comprehensive profile of the cellular and transcriptional landscape of spermatogenesis. We show limited evidence for meiotic sex chromosome inactivation and unique patterns of dosage compensation across spermatogenesis, relative to both other dipterans and insects in general. Finally, by comparing single-cell expression data between standard and drive males, we show that although there are significant differences in genome regulation, broad expression dynamics in the testis are conserved in the presence of meiotic drive. Notably, we highlight key genes with perturbed expression as a potential consequence of the disruption of spermatogenesis by the X-linked meiotic driver.
