scholarly journals Nuclear Genome Size is Positively Correlated with Mean LTR Insertion Date in Fern and Lycophyte Genomes

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony E. Baniaga ◽  
Michael S. Barker

AbstractNuclear genome size is highly variable in vascular plants. The composition of long terminal repeat retrotransposons (LTRs) is a chief mechanism of long term change in the amount of nuclear DNA. Compared to flowering plants, little is known about LTR dynamics in ferns and lycophytes. Drawing upon the availability of recently sequenced fern and lycophyte genomes we investigated these dynamics and placed them in the context of vascular plants. We found that similar to seed plants, mean LTR insertion dates were strongly correlated with haploid nuclear genome size. Fern and lycophyte species with small genomes such as those of the heterosporous Selaginella and members of the Salviniaceae had recent mean LTR insertion dates, whereas species with large genomes such as homosporous ferns had old mean LTR insertion dates intermediate between angiosperms and gymnosperms. This pattern holds despite methylation and life history differences in ferns and lycophytes compared to seed plants, and our results are consistent with other patterns of structural variation in fern and lycophyte genomes.

Genome ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 53 (12) ◽  
pp. 1066-1082 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Zaitlin ◽  
Andrew J. Pierce

The Gesneriaceae (Lamiales) is a family of flowering plants comprising >3000 species of mainly tropical origin, the most familiar of which is the cultivated African violet ( Saintpaulia spp.). Species of Gesneriaceae are poorly represented in the lists of taxa sampled for genome size estimation; measurements are available for three species of Ramonda and one each of Haberlea , Saintpaulia, and Streptocarpus , all species of Old World origin. We report here nuclear genome size estimates for 10 species of Sinningia , a neotropical genus largely restricted to Brazil. Flow cytometry of leaf cell nuclei showed that holoploid genome size in Sinningia is very small (approximately two times the size of the Arabidopsis genome), and is small compared to the other six species of Gesneriaceae with genome size estimates. We also documented intraspecific genome size variation of 21%–26% within a group of wild Sinningia speciosa (Lodd.) Hiern collections. In addition, we analyzed 1210 genome survey sequences from S. speciosa to characterize basic features of the nuclear genome such as guanine–cytosine content, types of repetitive elements, numbers of protein-coding sequences, and sequences unique to S. speciosa. We included several other angiosperm species as genome size standards, one of which was the snapdragon ( Antirrhinum majus L.; Veronicaceae, Lamiales). Multiple measurements on three accessions indicated that the genome size of A. majus is ∼633 × 106 base pairs, which is approximately 40% of the previously published estimate.


Genome ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 50 (4) ◽  
pp. 351-356 ◽  
Author(s):  
Damon P. Little ◽  
Robbin C. Moran ◽  
Eric D. Brenner ◽  
Dennis Wm. Stevenson

Estimates of nuclear genome size for 9 Selaginella species were obtained using flow cytometry, and measurements for 7 of these species are reported for the first time. Estimates range from 0.086 to 0.112 pg per holoploid genome (84–110 Mb). The data presented here agree with the previously published flow cytometric results for S. moellendorffii . Within the 9 species sampled here, chromosome number varies from 2n = 16 to 2n = 27. Nuclear genome size appears to be strongly correlated with chromosome number (Spearman’s rank correlation; p = 0.00003725). Cultivated S. moellendorffii lacks sexual reproduction—manifest by the production of abortive megasporangia. Flow cytometric data generated from a herbarium specimen of a fertile wild-collected S. moellendorffii are virtually indistinguishable from the data generated from fresh material (0.088 vs. 0.089 pg/1C). Therefore, the limited fertility observed in cultivated plants is probably not the result of abnormal chromosome number (e.g., induced by interspecific hybridization).


1991 ◽  
Vol 334 (1271) ◽  
pp. 309-345 ◽  

Collected lists of nuclear DNA amounts estimated for a total of almost 1000 angiosperm species were published by Bennett & Smith ( Phil. Trans. R. Soc. Lond. B 274, 227—274 (1976)), and by Bennett et al . ( Proc. R. Soc. Lond . B 216, 179-199 (1982 a )). Subsequently, work on nuclear genome size in flowering plant taxa, and interest in its consequences, has increased. Thus, estimates for 588 angiosperm species not previously listed were published, or communicated to us, between 1982 and mid-1986. As these additional estimates came from more than 50 sources which were either widely scattered in the scientific literature or unpublished personal communications, they are not readily accessible. This, and the many personal enquiries for the information received, shows that a further publication, compiling the new data is needed. This paper, therefore, contains a further supplementary list of absolute DNA amounts. This new compilation includes DNA C values for 629 angiosperm species not listed in either of the above-mentioned papers, with additional estimates for 119 species already listed by them. These data are assembled primarily for reference purposes. Analysis of citations of the two previously published lists and of personal requests for additional information both show that the major users of genome size information are cell and molecular biologists. Consequently, the species are listed as before in alphabetical order, rather than by any taxonomic scheme, as this was felt to be more helpful to these users


1994 ◽  
Vol 119 (6) ◽  
pp. 1312-1316 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. Vance Baird ◽  
Agnes S. Estager ◽  
John K. Wells

Using laser flow cytometry, nuclear DNA amounts were estimated for 12 Prunus species, representing three subgenera [Prunophora (Prunus), Amygdalus, and Cerasus (Lithocerasus)], two interspecific hybrids, four cultivars, and a synthetic polyploid series of peach consisting of haploids, diploids, triploids, and tetraploids (periclinal cytochimeras). Peach nuclear DNA content ranged from 0.30 pg for the haploid nuclei to 1.23 pg for the tetraploid nuclei. The diploid genome of peach is relatively small and was estimated to be 0.60±0.03 pg (or 5.8×108 nucleotide base pairs). The polyploid series represented the expected arithmetic progression, as genome size positively correlated with ploidy level (i.e., DNA content was proportional to chromosome number). The DNA content for the 12 diploid species and two interspecific diploid hybrids ranged from 0.57 to 0.79 pg. Genome size estimates were verified independently by Southern blot analysis, using restriction fragment length polymorphism clones as gene-copy equivalents. Thus, a relatively small and stable nuclear genome typifies the Prunus species investigated, consistent with their low, basic chromosome number (× = 8).


Genome ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 246-256 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elzbieta Kuta ◽  
Borut Bohanec ◽  
Ewa Dubas ◽  
Liliana Vizintin ◽  
Leslaw Przywara

Chromosomes and nuclear DNA amount were analyzed in leaf tissues of Luzula nivea, Luzula luzuloides, and Luzula multiflora. Intra- and interspecific karyological variability was stated. Chromosome numbers in diploids ranged 2n = 8-24 in L. nivea and L. luzuloides and 2n = 12-84 in hexaploid L. multiflora. Karyological variability resulted mainly from chromosome fission (agmatoploidy) and aneusomaty; chromosome fusion (symploidy) and polyploidy were also involved. Flow cytometric determination of nuclear genome size using propidium iodide staining gave values of 1.584 pg in L. luzuloides, 1.566 pg in L. nivea, and 3.034 pg in L. multiflora. Variability in relative nuclear genome size within species was measured by 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole staining. In contrast with previous reports, variability was fairly small and ranged from 1.796 to 1.864 pg in L. luzuloides, from 1.783 to 1.847 pg and from 1.737 to 1.808 pg in two populations (S and F) of L. nivea, respectively, and from 3.125 to 3.271 pg in L. multiflora. An intraplant (interleaf) genome size variation was also observed and its possible causes are discussed.Key words: Luzula, holokinetic chromosomes, agmatoploidy, symploidy, polyploidy, nuclear DNA amount, intraplant genome size variability, flow cytometry.


2011 ◽  
Vol 75 (3) ◽  
pp. 207-214 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aleksander Grabowska-Joachimiak ◽  
Elwira Śliwińska ◽  
Magdalena Piguła ◽  
Urszula Skomra ◽  
Andrzej J. Joachimiak

We analysed chromosome lengths, karyotype structure, and nuclear DNA content (flow cytometry) in diploid (2n=20) and triploid (2n=30) European <em>H. lupulus</em> var. <em>lupulus</em>, American <em>H. lupulus</em> var. <em>neomexicanus</em> (2n=20) and Japanese ornamental hop, <em>H. japonicus</em> (F/2n=16; M/2n=17). Diploid female representatives of <em>H. lupulus</em> var. <em>lupulus</em> and <em>H. l.</em> var. <em>neomexicanus</em> differed in total length of the basal chromosome set (23.16 µm and 25.99 µm, respectively) and nuclear 2C DNA amount (5.598 pg and 6.064 pg) but showed similar karyotype structure. No deviation from the additivity, both in chromosome length and 2C DNA amount was evidenced in triploid monoecious <em>H. lupulus</em> (2n=30, XXY). <em>H. japonicus</em> showed different karyotype structure, smaller basal chromosome set (F/18.04 µm, M/20.66 µm) and lower nuclear DNA amount (F/3.208 pg and M/3.522 pg). There are first evaluations of nuclear genome size in diploid, not commercial representative of European <em>H. lupulus</em> var. <em>lupulus</em> and American <em>H. lupulus</em> var. <em>neomexicanus</em> and first attempt to determine the absolute male and female genome size in two Humulus species.


Genetics ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 164 (4) ◽  
pp. 1511-1518 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ning Yu ◽  
Michael I Jensen-Seaman ◽  
Leona Chemnick ◽  
Judith R Kidd ◽  
Amos S Deinard ◽  
...  

Abstract Comparison of the levels of nucleotide diversity in humans and apes may provide much insight into the mechanisms of maintenance of DNA polymorphism and the demographic history of these organisms. In the past, abundant mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) polymorphism data indicated that nucleotide diversity (π) is more than threefold higher in chimpanzees than in humans. Furthermore, it has recently been claimed, on the basis of limited data, that this is also true for nuclear DNA. In this study we sequenced 50 noncoding, nonrepetitive DNA segments randomly chosen from the nuclear genome in 9 bonobos and 17 chimpanzees. Surprisingly, the π value for bonobos is only 0.078%, even somewhat lower than that (0.088%) for humans for the same 50 segments. The π values are 0.092, 0.130, and 0.082% for East, Central, and West African chimpanzees, respectively, and 0.132% for all chimpanzees. These values are similar to or at most only 1.5 times higher than that for humans. The much larger difference in mtDNA diversity than in nuclear DNA diversity between humans and chimpanzees is puzzling. We speculate that it is due mainly to a reduction in effective population size (Ne) in the human lineage after the human-chimpanzee divergence, because a reduction in Ne has a stronger effect on mtDNA diversity than on nuclear DNA diversity.


Open Heart ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. e001510
Author(s):  
Albert Zishen Lim ◽  
Daniel M Jones ◽  
Matthew G D Bates ◽  
Andrew M Schaefer ◽  
John O'Sullivan ◽  
...  

ObjectiveRegular cardiac surveillance is advocated for patients with primary mitochondrial DNA disease. However, there is limited information to guide clinical practice in mitochondrial conditions caused by nuclear DNA defects. We sought to determine the frequency and spectrum of cardiac abnormalities identified in adult mitochondrial disease originated from the nuclear genome.MethodsAdult patients with a genetically confirmed mitochondrial disease were identified and followed up at the national clinical service for mitochondrial disease in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK (January 2009 to December 2018). Case notes, molecular genetics reports, laboratory data and cardiac investigations, including serial electrocardiograms and echocardiograms, were reviewed.ResultsIn this cohort-based observational study, we included 146 adult patients (92 women) (mean age 53.6±18.7 years, 95% CI 50.6 to 56.7) with a mean follow-up duration of 7.9±5.1 years (95% CI 7.0 to 8.8). Eleven different nuclear genotypes were identified: TWNK, POLG, RRM2B, OPA1, GFER, YARS2, TYMP, ETFDH, SDHA, TRIT1 and AGK. Cardiac abnormalities were detected in 14 patients (9.6%). Seven of these patients (4.8%) had early-onset cardiac manifestations: hypertrophic cardiomyopathy required cardiac transplantation (AGK; n=2/2), left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy and bifascicular heart block (GFER; n=2/3) and mild LV dysfunction (GFER; n=1/3, YARS2; n=1/2, TWNK; n=1/41). The remaining seven patients had acquired heart disease most likely related to conventional cardiovascular risk factors and presented later in life (14.6±12.8 vs 55.1±8.9 years, p<0.0001).ConclusionsOur findings demonstrate that the risk of cardiac involvement is genotype specific, suggesting that routine cardiac screening is not indicated for most adult patients with nuclear gene-related mitochondrial disease.


2017 ◽  
Vol 01 (02) ◽  
pp. 108-120 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nick Lane

All complex life on Earth is composed of ‘eukaryotic’ cells. Eukaryotes arose just once in 4 billion years, via an endosymbiosis — bacteria entered a simple host cell, evolving into mitochondria, the ‘powerhouses’ of complex cells. Mitochondria lost most of their genes, retaining only those needed for respiration, giving eukaryotes ‘multi-bacterial’ power without the costs of maintaining thousands of complete bacterial genomes. These energy savings supported a substantial expansion in nuclear genome size, and far more protein synthesis from each gene.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (9) ◽  
pp. 4594
Author(s):  
Andrea Stoccoro ◽  
Fabio Coppedè

Epigenetic modifications of the nuclear genome, including DNA methylation, histone modifications and non-coding RNA post-transcriptional regulation, are increasingly being involved in the pathogenesis of several human diseases. Recent evidence suggests that also epigenetic modifications of the mitochondrial genome could contribute to the etiology of human diseases. In particular, altered methylation and hydroxymethylation levels of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) have been found in animal models and in human tissues from patients affected by cancer, obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Moreover, environmental factors, as well as nuclear DNA genetic variants, have been found to impair mtDNA methylation patterns. Some authors failed to find DNA methylation marks in the mitochondrial genome, suggesting that it is unlikely that this epigenetic modification plays any role in the control of the mitochondrial function. On the other hand, several other studies successfully identified the presence of mtDNA methylation, particularly in the mitochondrial displacement loop (D-loop) region, relating it to changes in both mtDNA gene transcription and mitochondrial replication. Overall, investigations performed until now suggest that methylation and hydroxymethylation marks are present in the mtDNA genome, albeit at lower levels compared to those detectable in nuclear DNA, potentially contributing to the mitochondria impairment underlying several human diseases.


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