Prophage proteins alter long noncoding RNA and DNA of developing sperm to induce a paternal-effect lethality. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38452081/)

These scientists wanted to understand how certain proteins from a type of bacteria called Wolbachia could affect the development of fruit fly sperm. They found that two specific proteins called CifA and CifB, which are made by the bacteria, can change the genetic material in the sperm of fruit flies.

CifA works like scissors to cut a special type of genetic material called long noncoding RNA in the sperm cells, which is important for the development of sperm. Both CifA and CifB also act like cleaners, causing damage to the DNA in the sperm cells as they mature. When these proteins mess with the genetic material in the sperm, it can lead to a problem where the offspring don't develop properly and can't survive.

The scientists discovered that by reducing the amount of this special genetic material in the sperm, the problem gets worse, and the offspring are even less likely to survive. This study helps us understand how these bacteria and their proteins can affect the development of insects like fruit flies, which is important for controlling insect populations and understanding how they evolve over time.

Kaur R., McGarry A., Shropshire JD., Leigh BA., Bordenstein SR. Prophage proteins alter long noncoding RNA and DNA of developing sperm to induce a paternal-effect lethality. Science. 2024 Mar 8;383(6687):1111-1117. doi: 10.1126/science.adk9469. Epub 2024 Mar 7.