Searching For Candidate Speciation Genes Using A Proteomic Approach: Seminal Proteins In Field Crickets

Main Category: Biology / Biochemistry
Also Included In: Genetics
Article Date: 14 May 2008 - 4:00 PDT

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For decades, evolutionary biologists have sought to discern the types of genetic changes that lead to the creation of new species.

To date, very few "speciation genes" have been identified. These "speciation genes" help to create and preserve species boundaries by preventing the production of hybrids.

Genes controlling fertilization are likely candidates. Some male ejaculate proteins affect female reproductive physiology and behavior. Our study uses new proteomic technology to identify ejaculate proteins in field-crickets.

A population genetics survey of the genes encoding these proteins revealed two candidate "speciation genes" that may be responsible for reproductive incompatibility between cricket species.

Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences

Proceedings B is the Royal Society's flagship biological research journal, dedicated to the rapid publication and broad dissemination of high-quality research papers, reviews and comment and reply papers. The scope of journal is diverse and is especially strong in organismal biology.

Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences