Bart Kempenaers

The paper uses RNA-seq and spatial transcriptomics in zebra finches to study the role of the germline-restricted chromosome (GRC) in germ cell development, identifying its involvement in oocyte maturation and gene expression regulation.

The paper shows that sex differences in growth, survival, and fledging timing lead to a female-biased fledgling sex ratio in Ruffs, a lekking bird with strong sexual size dimorphism.

The paper identifies germline-restricted chromosomes (GRCs) in 6,700 passerine species, showing rapid evolution and functional gene retention despite programmed DNA elimination.

This study tracks activity variation in ruffs from early life to maturity, finding strong sex differences but inconsistent morph-specific activity differences.

The paper shows that the germline-restricted chromosome (GRC) in zebra finches can be paternally inherited, challenging previous assumptions of strict maternal transmission.