ArticleG3 (Bethesda, Md.)2026
The complete sequence of the silkworm W chromosome uncovers its rapid evolution by large-scale duplications/deletions and translocation of W-linked genes.
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Abstract
The complete sequence of the W chromosome, which carries feminization activity in the silkworm, is crucial for understanding the sex-determination system in Lepidoptera. However, extensive accumulation of transposons due to lack of recombination, the very rare protein-coding genes and almost no information about molecular markers has hindered full W sequencing. We report the first complete silkworm W sequence (T2T_W, 11683305 bp) obtained by combining sequencing-assembly technologies and newly developed error detection methods, evaluated with genetically mapped W-RAPD markers, W-mutants, and W-derived BAC clones. The T2T_W sequence showed that the W is composed of a massive 92% accumulation of transposons and repeat sequences, among which the main constituents are intact LTR/LINE retrotransposons indicating recent expansions. In addition to Fem clusters producing Fem piRNA (Feminizer-derived PIWI-interacting RNA), we found 26 protein-coding genes in the W sequence. These include four gene pairs encoding zinc-finger motifs designated z1:z20 and a gene encoding serine/arginine repetitive matrix protein 1-like (SRRM1-like). To identify candidate genes for female sex-determination and differentiation we also sequenced the shortest W (3.8 Mb) from a translocation mutant with feminizing activity, which harbored four conventional genes: a Fem cluster, a pair of z1:z20 isoforms, z20-S, and a SRRM1-like gene. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that z1:z20 originated from a copy of an autosomal zinc-finger gene pair, z2:z21, translocated onto the W around 2.43 Mya and subsequently amplified to yield 4 W-linked zinc-finger gene pairs. The complete W sequence revealed that large-scale deletions and amplifications played a significant role in W chromosome evolution.
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