Levitan Don R, Ferrell David L
Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32306-1100, USA.
Science. 2006 Apr 14;312(5771):267-9. doi: 10.1126/science.1122183.
Gamete recognition proteins can evolve at astonishing rates and lie at the heart of reproductive isolation and speciation in diverse taxa. However, the source of selection driving this evolution remains unknown. We report on how the sperm bindin genotype influences reproductive success under natural conditions. An interaction between genotype frequency and spawning density determines how sperm bindin genotype influences reproductive success. Common genotypes are selected under sperm-limited conditions, whereas rare genotypes are selected under conditions of intense sperm competition and sexual conflict. Variation in the evolutionary rates of bindin may reflect historic differences in sperm availability.
配子识别蛋白能够以惊人的速度进化，并且是不同分类群中生殖隔离和物种形成的核心所在。然而，驱动这种进化的选择来源仍然未知。我们报告了精子结合蛋白基因型如何在自然条件下影响繁殖成功率。基因型频率与产卵密度之间的相互作用决定了精子结合蛋白基因型如何影响繁殖成功率。在精子受限的条件下会选择常见基因型，而在激烈的精子竞争和性冲突条件下会选择稀有基因型。结合蛋白进化速率的差异可能反映了精子可利用性的历史差异。
