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bioRxiv · 10.1101/2024.12.12.628268

Telomere-to-Telomere Genome Assembly Uncovers Wolbachia-Driven Sex-Specific Demography and Challenges Fisher's Principle in a Sawfly

Zhang, M.·Zhai, R.·Niu, G.·Chen, J.·Tan, B.·Wu, D.·Meng, G.·Wei, M.
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Abstract

Wolbachia, a widespread endosymbiotic bacterium, can reshape the evolutionary fates of its insect hosts by distorting reproduction and altering population dynamics. Despite extensive laboratory research, its long-term effects on host evolution in nature remain poorly understood, particularly regarding genetic mechanisms underlying changes in sex determination and reproduction. Here, we report the first telomere-to-telomere (T2T) genome assembly of the sawfly Analcellicampa danfengensis and the complete genome of it symbiotic Wolbachia. Comparative population genomics of six closely related Analcellicampa species revealed that Wolbachia-infected populations experience marked changes in sex-specific demography. While uninfected species maintain balanced genetic features between males and females, infected species show a persistent reduction in male effective population size alongside a stable or even growing female population, ultimately driving males toward extinction. Genomic scans identified positively selected genes associated with reproductive functions, sensory perception, neural development, and longevity, suggesting that Wolbachia manipulates critical host biological pathways to promote its transmission. These findings provide direct genomic evidence that Wolbachia acts as a powerful evolutionary force, reshaping host genomes in a way that disrupts Fishers principle, ultimately driving female-biased demography and the extinction of males at evolutionary timescales. This work provides deeper insights into host- endosymbiont coevolution and has important implications for evolutionary theory and pest management strategies.

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Zhang, M., Zhai, R., Niu, G., Chen, J., Tan, B., Wu, D., Meng, G., Wei, M.. 2024-12-17. Telomere-to-Telomere Genome Assembly Uncovers Wolbachia-Driven Sex-Specific Demography and Challenges Fisher's Principle in a Sawfly. https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.12.12.628268

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