A Y-specific translocated gsdf copy is a candidate master sex-determining gene in common dab (Limanda limanda)

A ~21.5 kb Y-specific insertion on chromosome 16 in common dab (Limanda limanda) carries a translocated gsdf copy, making gsdfY the strongest candidate master sex-determining gene.

• Why it matters: Sex determination in flatfishes varies widely, and common dab lacks a defined genetic basis, limiting understanding of how sex-determining loci evolve.
• What they did: Pooled whole-genome sequencing plus long-read genome sequencing of females and males from Iceland and Norway identified male-heterogametic (XX/XY) sex-associated regions, with the strongest signal on chromosome 16.
• The result: The male PacBio HiFi assembly revealed a ~21.5 kb Y insertion with complete male-pool coverage and little or no female-pool coverage, supporting recruitment of gsdfY as the master candidate.

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