DSSS - Evolution of sexual dimorphism at the molecular and phenotypic level in the plant genus Silene

Most flowering plants are hermaphrodites with individuals producing both female and male gametes. But in about 6% of angiosperm species, sex are separated, a phenomenon called dioecy. In the Silene genus, dioecy has evolved at least three times independently, allowing us to study the evolutionary consequences at the phenotypic and molecular level. I will present recent work on the evolution of genes that are differentially expressed between males and females (sex-biased genes). We considered both selective and drift dynamics that may contribute to the evolution of sex-biased genes. Next, we explored how sex-biased genes are regulated in Silene latifolia and focused in particular on the potential role of small RNAs and DNA methylation. Finally, I will present preliminary results on the comparative analysis of sexual dimorphism intensity among multiple Silene species.