Long-term selection for faster development and early reproduction leads to up-regulation of genes involved in redox homeostasis

Abstract

ROS produced by Duox is necessary for normal host survival in response to commensal and or infectious microbes. However, failure in the homeostatic balance between synthesis and elimination of ROS leads to damage of major macromolecules and eventual death of the organism. The "evolutionary option" to use ROS to perform biological functions, in particular, is a double-edged sword. Rapid development is suggested to result in increased production of ROS due to increased metabolic demands as a consequence of sustained proliferation. We assessed redox homeostasis by measuring the transcript levels of genes involved in ROS production (Duox and Nox) and scavenging (Irc, Sod1 and Cat) in three population types of Drosophila melanogaster. We discuss the role and interplay between ROS generating and ROS scavenging genes in maintaining developmental integrity and physiological homeostasis under rapid development.