Department of Biology, University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg, MB R3B 2E9, Canada.
Genome. 2021 Feb;64(2):63-73. doi: 10.1139/gen-2020-0025. Epub 2020 Jul 30.
It has long been acknowledged that changes in the regulation of gene expression may account for major organismal differences. However, we still do not fully understand how changes in gene expression evolve and how do such changes influence organisms' differences. We are even less aware of the impact such changes might have in restricting gene flow between species. Here, we focus on studies of gene expression and speciation in the model. We review studies that have identified gene interactions in post-mating reproductive isolation and speciation, particularly those that modulate male gene expression. We also address studies that have experimentally manipulated changes in gene expression to test their effect in post-mating reproductive isolation. We highlight the need for a more in-depth analysis of the role of selection causing disrupted gene expression of such candidate genes in sterile/inviable hybrids. Moreover, we discuss the relevance to incorporate more routinely assays that simultaneously evaluate the potential effects of environmental factors and genetic background in modulating plastic responses in male genes and their potential role in speciation.
长期以来，人们一直认为基因表达调控的变化可能是生物之间主要差异的原因。然而，我们仍然不完全了解基因表达的变化是如何进化的，以及这些变化如何影响生物体的差异。我们甚至不太了解这些变化可能会对限制物种间的基因流动产生什么影响。在这里，我们专注于模式生物中的基因表达和物种形成的研究。我们回顾了那些已经确定了在交配后生殖隔离和物种形成中起作用的基因相互作用的研究，特别是那些调节雄性基因表达的基因相互作用的研究。我们还讨论了那些通过实验操纵基因表达变化来测试其在交配后生殖隔离中作用的研究。我们强调需要更深入地分析选择在破坏候选基因的表达中的作用，这些候选基因在不育/不可育杂种中是功能性失活的。此外，我们还讨论了纳入更常规的检测方法的重要性，这些方法可以同时评估环境因素和遗传背景对雄性基因可塑性反应的潜在影响，以及它们在物种形成中的潜在作用。
