A rapid change in P-element-induced hybrid dysgenesis status in Ukrainian populations of Drosophila melanogaster

The Drosophila melanogaster P-transposable element is an example of mobile DNA transferred horizontally and known to have spread globally over the last 50–60 years. In Drosophila, the P-element causes a syndrome known as ‘P–M hybrid dysgenesis' that obstructs normal ovary development in the female progeny of susceptible populations. Despite extensive research, the stability and global population dynamics of P–M dysgenic phenotypes remain poorly understood. Here, we report a recent and rapid transition in the P–M status of D. melanogaster populations from Ukraine. We demonstrate that these populations are currently dominated by the P′-cytotype characterized by active genomic P-elements and unknown from Ukraine just two decades ago. Our results suggest a recent invasion of the P-element in Ukraine, a pattern that matches recent discoveries from Turkey.