Expression of a doublesex homologue is altered in sexual mosaics of Ostrinia scapulalis moths infected with Wolbachia

A homologue of the sex-determining gene doublesex, Osdsx, was identified in the adzuki bean borer Ostrinia scapulalis. Three isoforms of the Osdsx transcript (OsdsxM, OsdsxFL and OsdsxFS) differing in length were found. OsdsxM was specifically found in males, and contained an 852-bp ORF encoding a protein of 284 amino acids. OsdsxFL and OsdsxFS were found in females, and had the same 813-bp ORF encoding a protein of 271 amino acids. The Osdsx gene was inferred to have six exons and five introns. The variation in the transcript could be explained by the alternative splicing of Osdsx: OsdsxM was formed by the splicing of exons 1, 2, 5 and 6, OsdsxFS by the splicing of exons 1–4 and 6, and OsdsxFL by the splicing of exons 1–6. RT-PCR analysis indicated that Osdsx was transcribed in a sex-specific manner in all somatic tissues examined, regardless of developmental stage. In Wolbachia-induced sexual mosaics of O. scapulalis, which are genetically male, the female-specific isoform of Osdsx (OsdsxFL) was shown to be expressed in addition to the male-specific isoform (OsdsxM). This finding provides the first evidence that Wolbachia manipulates the sex of its host by interfering either with the sex-specific splicing of Osdsx itself or with another upstream sex determination process.

Figure optionsDownload high-quality image (136 K)Download as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights
► Three isoforms of a doublesex homologue were identified in Ostrinia scapulalis moths.
► OsdsxM was specifically found in males, and OsdsxFL and OsdsxFS in females.
► Wolbachia-induced sexual mosaics of O. scapulalis are genetically male.
► In these mosaics, OsdsxFL was shown to be expressed in addition to OsdsxM.
► Wolbachia manipulates the sex of host by interfering with sex determination process.