Genes in conflict in the social insects. Queen bees mate with 20 males, so it is in each male's interests to father female offspring that are more likely to become queens or reproductive workers. In contrast, queens want all workers to be sterile. This project will determine if some males pass on genes to offspring that have been modified so that their daughters are likely to become reproductive.
HEN1 is a regulator of piRNA metabolism, transcriptional regulation and mammalian male fertility. This project is to define the biochemistry of a previously uncharacterized protein in male fertility using a unique mouse model and innovative DNA and protein technologies. This project will define a novel, and essential, pathway for male fertility and may ultimately have relevance to the maintenance of health or improving fertility.