Spermatogenesis and the Evolution of Mammalian Sex Chromosomes

Authors

Erica Larson, University of DenverFollow
Emily E.K. Kopania, University of Montana
Jeffrey M. Good, University of Montana

Publication Date

8-1-2018

Document Type

Article

Organizational Units

Biological Sciences

Keywords

Genomic conflict, Sex-biased expression, Faster-X, Recombination, Hybrid male sterility, Speciation

Abstract

Developmental constraint and sexual conflict shape the evolution of heteromorphic sex chromosomes. These contrasting forces are perhaps strongest during spermatogenesis in species with XY males. In this review, we consider how the unique regulatory environment and selective pressures of spermatogenesis interact to impact sex chromosome evolution in mammals. We explore how each developmental phase of spermatogenesis influences sex chromosome gene content, structure, and rate of molecular evolution, and how these attributes may contribute to speciation. We argue that a developmental context is fundamental to understanding sex chromosome evolution and that an evolutionary perspective can shed new light on our understanding of sperm development.

Publication Statement

Copyright held by author or publisher. User is responsible for all copyright compliance.

Recommended Citation

Larson, Erica L, et al. “Spermatogenesis and the Evolution of Mammalian Sex Chromosomes.” Trends in Genetics, vol. 34, no. 9, 2018, pp. 722–732. doi: 10.1016/j.tig.2018.06.003.