Work

Molecular Evolution of a Sex-Linked Inversion Polymorphism in Zebra Finches

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Recent years have seen an explosion in examples of supergenes, where recombination is suppressed between haplotypes, often via inversion polymorphisms, to control complex traits. However, an enduring problem in evolutionary biology is understanding the molecular consequences of recombination suppression, especially when it has been present for long periods. Here, we explore the molecular evolution of the A and B haplotypes of a large, sex-linked inversion polymorphism in a passerine bird, the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata) responsible for most of the genetic variation in sperm morphology. We find evidence for reduced efficacy of purifying selection acting on the coding sequence of the Z-linked haplotypes and an increase in mutational load. However, we fail to find a positive association between expression and sequence divergence, consistent with an absence of any compensatory expression evolution for the accumulation of deleterious alleles.

Source: Genome Biology and Evolution

DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evag056

Authors: Peter D Price, Jake Pepper, Thea F Rogers, Alison E Wright, Jon Slate

Institutions: University of Sheffield, University of Vienna

Language: English

Topic: Evolution and Genetic Dynamics

Subfield: Genetics

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,850

Funders: Queen Mary University of London, Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, Natural Environment Research Council