MSL3 promotes germline stem cell differentiation in female Drosophila

Gamete formation from germline stem cells (GSCs) is essential for sexual reproduction. However, the regulation of GSC differentiation are incompletely understood. Set2, which deposits H3K36me3 modifications, is required for GSC differentiation during Drosophila oogenesis. We discovered that the H3K36me3 reader Male-specific lethal 3 (MSL3) and histone acetyltransferase complex Ada2a-containing (ATAC) cooperate with Set2 to regulate GSC differentiation in female Drosophila. MSL3, acting independent from the rest of the male specific lethal complex, promotes transcription of genes including a germline enriched ribosomal protein S19 paralog, RpS19b. RpS19b upregulation is required for translation of RNA-binding Fox protein 1 (Rbfox1), a known meiotic cell cycle entry factor. Thus, MSL3 regulates GSC differentiation by modulating translation of a key factor that promotes transition to an oocyte fate.