Genetic characterization of a sex-, chromosome-, and tissue-specific mechanism of gene expression regulation

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Similar to mammals, the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster has heteromorphic sex chromosomes, with males having one X and one Y chromosome, and females having two X chromosomes. In male somatic tissues, expression of the single X chromosome is up-regulated through the well-known process of dosage compensation. In the male germline, expression of the X chromosome is suppressed through a mechanism that is not yet understood. To gain insight into this process, we will take advantage of two independent mutant lines of D. melanogaster that are deficient in X suppression in the male germline. Through whole-genome sequencing of recombinant males, we will map the mutations and associated genes that affect X suppression. We will also sequence the testis transcriptome of mutant males to characterize the effect of the mutations on the expression of X-linked genes. Finally, we will perform functional experiments to validate candidate genes and determine their role in regulating gene expression. The results will advance our understanding of how gene expression is regulated in a sex-, chromosome-, and tissue-specific manner.