The Ecology and Evolutionary Dynamics of Meiotic Drive

Anna K. Lindholm, Kelly A. Dyer, Renée C. Firman, Lila Fishman, Wolfgang Forstmeier, Luke Holman, Hanna Johannesson, Ulrich Knief, Hanna Kokko, Amanda M. Larracuente, Andri Manser, Catherine Montchamp-Moreau, Varos G. Petrosyan, Andrew Pomiankowski, Daven C. Presgraves, Larisa D. Safronova, Andreas Sutter, Robert L. Unckless, Rudi L. Verspoor, Nina WedellGerald S. Wilkinson, Tom A.R. Price

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

249 Scopus citations

Abstract

Meiotic drivers are genetic variants that selfishly manipulate the production of gametes to increase their own rate of transmission, often to the detriment of the rest of the genome and the individual that carries them. This genomic conflict potentially occurs whenever a diploid organism produces a haploid stage, and can have profound evolutionary impacts on gametogenesis, fertility, individual behaviour, mating system, population survival, and reproductive isolation. Multiple research teams are developing artificial drive systems for pest control, utilising the transmission advantage of drive to alter or exterminate target species. Here, we review current knowledge of how natural drive systems function, how drivers spread through natural populations, and the factors that limit their invasion.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)315-326
Number of pages12
JournalTrends in Ecology and Evolution
Volume31
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 1 2016

Keywords

  • Extinction
  • Gametogenesis
  • Gene drive
  • Meiosis
  • Speciation
  • Transmission distortion

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