BRC-BIO: evolutionary drivers of dimorphic sperm function and development

Governors State University received a $416,570 Project Grant from the National Science Foundation's Division of Integrative Organismal Systems under the Biological Sciences program (CFDA 47.074), effective September 1, 2025 through August 31, 2028. The award funds research investigating the evolutionary drivers of dimorphic sperm function and development, specifically examining non-fertilizing sperm in the Indian meal moth (Plodia interpunctella). The research team will analyze experimentally generated lines of P. interpunctella exposed to varying levels of reproductive conflict across multiple generations, assessing sperm morphotypes for differences in protein composition, morphometric characteristics, and competitiveness within the female reproductive tract. These analyses will elucidate the functional significance and evolutionary mechanisms underlying the production of non-fertilizing sperm in lepidopteran species.

Beyond the core research outputs, the grant supports workforce development through student engagement in the scientific process and career foundation building. The award also includes a community engagement component requiring the construction of a limited mobility-accessible butterfly garden at the research institution, which will serve as a venue for educational activities and public events. These deliverables collectively address the National Science Foundation's statutory mission by advancing fundamental biological science knowledge while simultaneously promoting broader participation and community awareness in scientific research.

Abstract

Sperm and EGG cells fuse in the process known as fertilization. Each cell contributes half of the genetic material to the offspring produced in the next generation. However, many animals are programmed to produce sperm that lack genetic material and thus run counter to the very definition of a ?sperm cell.? IT is unknown how sperm cells that lack DNA contribute to the successful production of offspring, but IT has become clear that these sperm cells are necessary for reproduction in many species. This research will test one of the leading ideas for why non-fertilizing sperm are produced, revealing fundamental aspects of reproductive biology. IT will allow numerous students to engage in the scientific process and build a strong career foundation. Additionally, IT will engage the community surrounding the research institution by constructing a limited mobility-accessible butterfly garden, which will be the site of various activities and events. In this research project, the researchers aim to investigate the function of non-fertilizing sperm in lepidoptera and how sexual conflict may have driven the evolution of non-fertilizing sperm in the indian meal moth, plodia interpunctella. The research team will investigate the role of non-fertilizing sperm by using lines of p. Interpunctella that have been experimentally exposed to various levels of reproductive conflict over the course of numerous generations. Sperm of both morphs of selected lines will be assessed for differences in protein composition, morphometric measures, and variation in competitiveness within the female reproductive tract. Together, these analyses will provide functional and comparative insight into the evolution of non-fertilizing sperm. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.- subawards are not planned for this award.