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Sequence evolution and copy number variation in HINTW

Sawant, Jeet (2022) MOBN02 20212
Degree Projects in Molecular Biology
Popular Abstract
Genetic HINT to a gender reveal

Reproduction is an essential process in order to ensure the survival and propagation of the species. Many processes of sexual and asexual reproduction are seen in nature. The sex of the progeny constitutes an essential factor in reaping the maximum benefits associated with the individual. In fields like poultry and dairy, knowledge on the sex-determination method can help to balance the ratio of males and females in the population. This allows for to increase the production efficiency. Birds reproduce via sexual means, however the mechanism for the same is a topic which has garnered interest of researchers. Identifying how the genes involved in the process behave would help in better understanding the... (More)
Genetic HINT to a gender reveal

Reproduction is an essential process in order to ensure the survival and propagation of the species. Many processes of sexual and asexual reproduction are seen in nature. The sex of the progeny constitutes an essential factor in reaping the maximum benefits associated with the individual. In fields like poultry and dairy, knowledge on the sex-determination method can help to balance the ratio of males and females in the population. This allows for to increase the production efficiency. Birds reproduce via sexual means, however the mechanism for the same is a topic which has garnered interest of researchers. Identifying how the genes involved in the process behave would help in better understanding the process. A female-only gene named HINTW has been posited to be involved in the sex-determination in bird species. The HINTW and its homolog HINTZ show pattern similar to that seen in genes involved in mammalian sex- determination.

In this study, we decided to investigate the genes in Galliformes (fowls such as chicken, turkey, etc.) and Passerines (songbirds such as warblers, swallows, etc.). Comparing the genes on sequence level, we found that HINTZ sequences showed high levels of similarity while HINTW region showed regions separating the gene copies between the two categories of birds. Phylogenetic analysis showed a different evolution pattern in the HINTW than that seen in case of the species tree. The observations were used to design and successfully test primers for HINTW and HINTZ sequences in Passerines and test the genes in lab experiments. HINTW gene is located on the W-chromosome in birds and is subject to high levels of selection pressure. This has led to many copies of the gene to evolve in different birds. We performed qPCR analysis in Passerine birds to obtain the gene copy number for HINTW. The copy number reported for most of the individuals was much lower than seen in Galliformes in previous studies. The copy number was found to be more similar in closely related species. The copy number also reduces with age in 4 of the 5 individuals tested on.

The sequence study does provide insight in how the copies diverge in different individuals. The primers can be used in expanding the study to a larger pool of individuals, which will help confirm the analysis regarding the copy number of HINTW gene in birds. The observations regarding copy number reduction with age present the need to put emphasis on reporting the age of the individual being studied while presenting observations related to the analysis of HINTW gene.



Master’s degree project in Molecular Biology, 45 credits, 2022 Department of Biology, Lund University
Supervisor: Prof. Bengt Hansson, Molecular Ecology and Evolution Lab, Lund University (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Sawant, Jeet
supervisor
organization
course
MOBN02 20212
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
language
English
id
9103285
date added to LUP
2022-11-17 10:52:31
date last changed
2022-11-17 10:52:31
@misc{9103285,
  author       = {{Sawant, Jeet}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Sequence evolution and copy number variation in HINTW}},
  year         = {{2022}},
}