Postdoc

Unit for Theoretical Biology, Department of Evolutionary Biology
University of Vienna

Abstract

Sexual reproduction involves complex coordination, and potential competition, among the reproductive cells, fluids, and structures of all individuals involved. For internally fertilizing species, these interactions occur within the body of one sex, predominantly the female, or ovary-associated, reproductive tract. Thus, characterizing the dynamics of the female reproductive tract is critical to understanding the interactions that mediate reproductive success. Although there has been increasing movement toward revealing the active role of the female reproductive tract in shaping and influencing reproductive outcomes, our knowledge of this environment remains limited as a result of both historical biases and technical constraints. I will discuss my dissertation research on the function and evolution of the female reproductive tract through the detailed molecular characterization of Drosophila melanogaster female reproductive tissues and secretions. Combining transcriptomics and proteomics I identify (1) tissues have distinct transcriptomic profiles of rapidly evolving tissue-specific genes yet coordinated post-mating responses (2) all tissues likely contribute to the formation of the extracellular fluid proteome which has pronounced and distinct changes post-mating and (3) the secretions of FRT glands are critical to mating plug ejection which is a putative mechanism of cryptic female choice. These interconnected studies create a framework for understanding the molecular identities and functions of the Drosophila internal female reproductive environment and the active female role in interactions that determine reproductive success.