Sexual selection on protamine and transition nuclear protein expression in mouse species

摘要: Post-copulatory sexual selection in the form of sperm competition is known to influence evolution male reproductive proteins mammals. The relationship between and regulatory evolution, however, remains be explored. Protamines transition nuclear are involved condensation chromatin expected affect shape head. A hydrodynamically efficient head allows for fast swimming velocity and, therefore, more competitive sperm. Previous comparative studies rodents have documented a significant association level (as measured by relative testes mass) DNA sequence both coding promoter sequences protamine 2. Here, we investigate on protein mRNA expression eight mouse species that differ widely levels competition. We also examined gene shape, assessed using geometric morphometrics. found with higher express less 2 relation 1 proteins. Moreover, there was shape. Reduction abundance may increase ability mice, possibly affecting Changes thus seem basis evolutionary response these