The genetic basis of reproductive isolation: insights from Drosophila

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2005 May 3;102 Suppl 1(Suppl 1):6522-6. doi: 10.1073/pnas.0501893102. Epub 2005 Apr 25.

Abstract

Recent studies of the genetics of speciation in Drosophila have focused on two problems: (i) identifying and characterizing the genes that cause reproductive isolation, and (ii) determining the evolutionary forces that drove the divergence of these "speciation genes." Here, I review this work. I conclude that speciation genes correspond to ordinary loci having normal functions within species. These genes fall into several functional classes, although a role in transcriptional regulation could prove particularly common. More important, speciation genes are typically very rapidly evolving, and this divergence is often driven by positive Darwinian selection. Finally, I review recent work in Drosophila pseudoobscura on the possible role of meiotic drive in the evolution of the genes that cause postzygotic isolation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biological Evolution
  • Drosophila / genetics*
  • Drosophila / physiology*
  • Reproduction / genetics*
  • Reproduction / physiology*
  • Selection, Genetic
  • Species Specificity