Sex-linked markers reveal the ratio of environmental sex reversal in wild population of the Japanese Gecko (Gekko japonicus)

In this study, we used the genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) approach to search for sex determination systems and the identity of sex-linked markers in Gekko japonicus. This approach involves generating GBS data from multiple males and females with known sex, and then identifying sex-specific GBS-tag markers found only in one sex . Logically, these sex-specific RAD markers must be located in sex-specific regions of the genome (i.e., Y or W chromosome), and a disproportionate number of male-specific markers are indicative of an XX/XY system, while the opposite indicates a ZZ/ZW system. Here, we identified that Gekko japonicus has an XX/XY sex chromosome system and investigated the prevalence of environmentally-induced sex reversal in wild populations using sex-specific molecular markers.