Wolbachia-Mediated Cytoplasmic Incompatibility Is Associated with Impaired Histone Deposition in the Male Pronucleus
2009

Wolbachia and Sperm Chromatin Remodeling

Sample size: 63 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Frédéric Landmann, Guillermo A. Orsi, Benjamin Loppin, William Sullivan

Primary Institution: University of California Santa Cruz

Hypothesis

Does Wolbachia-induced cytoplasmic incompatibility affect histone deposition in the male pronucleus?

Conclusion

Cytoplasmic incompatibility caused by Wolbachia disrupts histone deposition and DNA replication in the male pronucleus, leading to severe defects in chromosome condensation and segregation.

Supporting Evidence

  • Wolbachia infection leads to severe cell cycle defects in the male pronucleus.
  • CI disrupts histone H3.3 and H4 deposition in the male pronucleus.
  • Prolonged retention of PCNA in the male pronucleus indicates incomplete DNA replication.
  • CI-induced defects in chromatin assembly activate cell cycle checkpoints.

Takeaway

Wolbachia bacteria can mess up how sperm DNA is packed and copied, which can cause problems when the baby is forming.

Methodology

The study involved examining the effects of Wolbachia on sperm chromatin remodeling and histone deposition in Drosophila embryos through immunofluorescence and microscopy.

Limitations

The study primarily focuses on Drosophila and may not be generalizable to other species.

Participant Demographics

Drosophila simulans and Drosophila melanogaster embryos were used in the study.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.ppat.1000343

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