Differential expression of quick-to-court gene isoforms in Drosophila male and female

Gene. 2025 Jan 20:934:149010. doi: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.149010. Epub 2024 Oct 18.

Abstract

The quick-to-court (qtc) gene is expressed in both males and females but affects only the mating behavior of males, probably due to the different composition of isoforms between the sexes. We tested this hypothesis and examined the sex-specific expression of qtc transcripts in the tissues of male and female Oregon-R flies. It was found that some qtc transcripts, such as qtc-RM and qtc-RN, are testis-specific, while others like qtc-RH are found in ovaries but absent in testes. No sex-specific transcripts were identified in the brain, suggesting further investigation into specific brain structures may be needed. There is likely a complex regulation of qtc gene expression, which is potentially influenced by various factors in different tissues.

Keywords: Differential expression; Drosophila; Quick-to-court; Testis-specific.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain / metabolism
  • Drosophila / genetics
  • Drosophila Proteins* / genetics
  • Drosophila Proteins* / metabolism
  • Drosophila melanogaster / genetics
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Male
  • Ovary / metabolism
  • Protein Isoforms* / genetics
  • Protein Isoforms* / metabolism
  • Sexual Behavior, Animal / physiology
  • Testis* / metabolism

Substances

  • Drosophila Proteins
  • Protein Isoforms