A new study reveals that selfish chromosomes exploit the Overdrive gene to destroy rival sperm, boosting their chances of passing into the next generation. The gene acts as a quality control checkpoint during sperm development, normally eliminating abnormal sperm cells, but selfish chromosomes hijack the system to kill competitors.
SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 13, 2026
Researchers found evidence that introners, a type of selfish gene, are responsible for spreading genetic complexity across species. The study revealed eight instances of horizontal gene transfer between unrelated species, suggesting that introners may hitchhike on giant viruses to transfer between species.
SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 22, 2025