Genetic polymorphism in 6Pgdh and its effects on gene expression
Uncovering genetic basis of sexually selected traits and traits involved in sexual conflict is a key to understand the associations between sexual and non-sexual fitness. 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6Pgdh) is a metabolic gene shown to be involved in sexual selection and conflict in bulb mite. 6Pgdh genotype is associated with variation in male reproductive success. Males bearing the winning 6Pgdh allele (S) gain higher reproductive success than males lacking it, but mating with S-bearing males decreases female fecundity. Physiological mechanisms of these differences remain a puzzle. We compare gene expression patterns between S- and F- allele homozygous lines to identify which molecular pathways are affected by a male 6Pgdh polymorphism.