scholarly journals Cytogenetically Elusive Sex Chromosomes in Scincoidean Lizards

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (16) ◽  
pp. 8670
Author(s):  
Alexander Kostmann ◽  
Barbora Augstenová ◽  
Daniel Frynta ◽  
Lukáš Kratochvíl ◽  
Michail Rovatsos
Keyword(s):  
Sex Chromosomes ◽  
Chromosome Morphology ◽  
Comparative Genomic ◽  
Morphological Divergence ◽  
Telomeric Sequences ◽  
Molecular Cytogenetic ◽  
Interstitial Telomeric Sequences ◽  
Rdna Loci ◽  
Cytogenetic Methods

The lizards of the species-rich clade Scincoidea including cordylids, gerrhosaurids, skinks, and xantusiids, show an almost cosmopolitan geographical distribution and a remarkable ecological and morphological divergence. However, previous studies revealed limited variability in cytogenetic traits. The sex determination mode was revealed only in a handful of gerrhosaurid, skink, and xantusiid species, which demonstrated either ZZ/ZW or XX/XY sex chromosomes. In this study, we explored the karyotypes of six species of skinks, two species of cordylids, and one gerrhosaurid. We applied conventional and molecular cytogenetic methods, including C-banding, fluorescence in situ hybridization with probes specific for telomeric motifs and rDNA loci, and comparative genomic hybridization. The diploid chromosome numbers are rather conserved among these species, but the chromosome morphology, the presence of interstitial telomeric sequences, and the topology of rDNA loci vary significantly. Notably, XX/XY sex chromosomes were identified only in Tiliqua scincoides, where, in contrast to the X chromosome, the Y chromosome lacks accumulations of rDNA loci. We confirm that within the lizards of the scincoidean clade, sex chromosomes remained in a generally poor stage of differentiation.

scholarly journals ZZ/ZW Sex Determination with Multiple Neo-Sex Chromosomes is Common in Madagascan Chameleons of the Genus Furcifer (Reptilia: Chamaeleonidae)

Genes ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 1020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rovatsos ◽  
Altmanová ◽  
Augstenová ◽  
Mazzoleni ◽  
Velenský ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sex Determination ◽  
Sex Chromosomes ◽  
Comparative Genomic ◽  
Telomeric Sequences ◽  
Female Heterogamety ◽  
Chromosomal Variability ◽  
Determination System ◽  
Hybridization In Situ ◽  
Sex Determination System

Chameleons are well-known, highly distinctive lizards characterized by unique morphological and physiological traits, but their karyotypes and sex determination system have remained poorly studied. We studied karyotypes in six species of Madagascan chameleons of the genus Furcifer by classical (conventional stain, C-banding) and molecular (comparative genomic hybridization, in situ hybridization with rDNA, microsatellite, and telomeric sequences) cytogenetic approaches. In contrast to most sauropsid lineages, the chameleons of the genus Furcifer show chromosomal variability even among closely related species, with diploid chromosome numbers varying from 2n = 22 to 2n = 28. We identified female heterogamety with cytogenetically distinct Z and W sex chromosomes in all studied species. Notably, multiple neo-sex chromosomes in the form Z1Z1Z2Z2/Z1Z2W were uncovered in four species of the genus (F. bifidus, F. verrucosus, F. willsii, and previously studied F. pardalis). Phylogenetic distribution and morphology of sex chromosomes suggest that multiple sex chromosomes, which are generally very rare among vertebrates with female heterogamety, possibly evolved several times within the genus Furcifer. Although acrodontan lizards (chameleons and dragon lizards) demonstrate otherwise notable variability in sex determination, it seems that female heterogamety with differentiated sex chromosomes remained stable in the chameleons of the genus Furcifer for about 30 million years.

Distribution of Telomeric Sequences (TTAGGG)n in Rearranged Chromosomes of Phyllotine Rodents (Cricetidae, Sigmodontinae)

2015 ◽  
Vol 147 (4) ◽  
pp. 247-252 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cecilia Lanzone ◽  
Carolina Labaroni ◽  
Natalia Suárez ◽  
Daniela Rodríguez ◽  
Macarena L. Herrera ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sex Chromosomes ◽  
Chromosomal Evolution ◽  
Robertsonian Translocations ◽  
Telomeric Sequences ◽  
Molecular Cytogenetic ◽  
Interstitial Telomeric Sequences ◽  
Robertsonian Rearrangements ◽  
Recent Origin ◽  
Chromosome Fusions ◽  
Molecular Cytogenetic Techniques

Phyllotines are sigmodontine rodents endemic to South America with broad genetic variability, Robertsonian polymorphisms being the most frequent. Moreover, this taxon includes a species with multiple sex chromosomes, which is infrequent in mammals. However, molecular cytogenetic techniques have never been applied to phyllotines to elucidate their karyotypic evolution. We studied the chromosomes of 4 phyllotine species using FISH with a pantelomeric probe (TTAGGG)n. Graomys griseoflavus, Eligmodontia puerulus, and E. morgani are polymorphic for Robertsonian translocations, whereas Salinomys delicatus possesses XX/ XY1Y2 sex chromosomes. Telomeric signals were detected at both ends of all chromosomes of the studied species. In S. delicatus interstitial telomeric sequences (ITS) were observed in the 3 major chromosome pairs, which are equidistant from one of the telomeres in these chromosomes. These results suggest that ITS are important in the reshuffling of the highly derived karyotype of S. delicatus. Considering the phylogeny of phyllotines, the Robertsonian rearrangements of G. griseoflavus, E. puerulus, and E. morgani possibly represent chromosome fusions which have occurred independently. The pericentromeric regions of the biarmed chromosomes of these species do not contain telomeric sequences characteristic for strict fusions of recent origin, suggesting a common pattern of telomeric repeat loss during chromosomal evolution of these rodents.

scholarly journals Cytogenetic Analysis Did Not Reveal Differentiated Sex Chromosomes in Ten Species of Boas and Pythons (Reptilia: Serpentes)

Genes ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 934 ◽  
Author(s):  
Augstenová ◽  
Mazzoleni ◽  
Kostmann ◽  
Altmanová ◽  
Frynta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
In Situ Hybridization ◽  
Sex Chromosomes ◽  
Chromosomal Rearrangements ◽  
Telomeric Repeats ◽  
Molecular Cytogenetic ◽  
Poorly Differentiated ◽  
Python Bivittatus ◽  
Interstitial Telomeric Repeats ◽  
Cytogenetic Methods

Homologous and differentiated ZZ/ZW sex chromosomes (or derived multiple neo-sex chromosomes) were often described in caenophidian snakes, but sex chromosomes were unknown until recently in non-caenophidian snakes. Previous studies revealed that two species of boas (Boa imperator, B. constrictor) and one species of python (Python bivittatus) independently evolved XX/XY sex chromosomes. In addition, heteromorphic ZZ/ZW sex chromosomes were recently revealed in the Madagascar boa (Acrantophis sp. cf. dumerili) and putatively also in the blind snake Myriopholis macrorhyncha. Since the evolution of sex chromosomes in non-caenophidian snakes seems to be more complex than previously thought, we examined ten species of pythons and boas representing the families Boidae, Calabariidae, Candoiidae, Charinidae, Pythonidae, and Sanziniidae by conventional and molecular cytogenetic methods, aiming to reveal their sex chromosomes. Our results show that all examined species do not possess sex-specific differences in their genomes detectable by the applied cytogenetic methods, indicating the presence of poorly differentiated sex chromosomes or even the absence of sex chromosomes. Interestingly, fluorescence in situ hybridization with telomeric repeats revealed extensive distribution of interstitial telomeric repeats in eight species, which are likely a consequence of intra-chromosomal rearrangements.

scholarly journals Rapid chromosomal evolution in the bush-cricket Gonatoxia helleri Hemp, 2016 (Orthoptera, Phaneropterinae)

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 417-435 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elżbieta Warchałowska-Śliwa ◽  
Beata Grzywacz ◽  
Anna Maryańska-Nadachowska ◽  
Klaus-Gerhard Heller ◽  
Claudia Hemp
Keyword(s):  
Chromosome Number ◽  
18S Rdna ◽  
Chromosomal Polymorphism ◽  
Chromosomal Evolution ◽  
Chromosome Morphology ◽  
Telomeric Sequences ◽  
C Banding ◽  
Interstitial Telomeric Sequences ◽  
Rdna Loci ◽  
Bush Crickets

Gonatoxia helleri Hemp, 2016 is one of the most widespread bush-crickets of the genus Gonatoxia Karsch, 1889 in East Africa. This species with seven large chromosomes (2n♂ = 7) differs from other representatives of the genus Gonatoxia drastically by its reduced chromosome number, the asymmetrical karyotype including karyomorphs rarely found in tettigoniids, as well as in irregularities in the course of meiosis. To better understand the origin of such an exceptional karyotype, chromosomes of 29 specimens from four populations/localities were studied using classical techniques, such as C-banding, silver impregnation, fluorochrome double staining and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) technique with 18S rDNA and (TTAGG)n telomeric probes. FISH showed many 18S rDNA loci as well as interstitial telomeric sequences, where chromosome morphology varied in these components in terms of quantity and distribution. The 18S rDNA loci coincided with active NORs and C-banding patterns. We suggest that a combination of Robertsonian rearrangements and/or multiple common tandem fusions involving the same chromosomes contributed to the formation of this karyotype/karyomorphs. The results are the first step towards a better understanding of chromosomal reorganization and evolution within the genus Gonatoxia. Low chromosome number, together with the incidence of chromosomal polymorphism that is higher in G. helleri than previously reported in bush-crickets, implies that this species can be a valuable new model for cytogenetic and speciation studies. Our findings suggest that chromosomal translocations lead to diversification and speciation in this species and could be the driving force of adaptive radiation.

Insights into Emydid Turtle Cytogenetics: The European Pond Turtle as a Model Species

2019 ◽  
Vol 157 (3) ◽  
pp. 166-171 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessio Iannucci ◽  
Marta Svartman ◽  
Massimo Bellavita ◽  
Guido Chelazzi ◽  
Roscoe Stanyon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chromosome Banding ◽  
Molecular Cytogenetics ◽  
Comparative Genomic ◽  
Emys Orbicularis ◽  
Rdna Genes ◽  
Telomeric Sequences ◽  
Pond Turtle ◽  
Cytogenetic Data ◽  
Cryptic Sex

Our knowledge of Testudines evolution is limited by the lack of modern cytogenetic data. Compared to other reptiles, there is little information even on chromosome banding, let alone molecular cytogenetic data. Here, we provide detailed information on the karyotype of the European pond turtle Emys orbicularis, a model Emydidae, employing both chromosome banding and molecular cytogenetics. We provide a high-resolution G-banded karyotype and a map of rDNA genes and telomeric sequences using fluorescence in situ hybridization. We test hypotheses of sex-determining mechanisms in Emys by comparative genomic hybridization to determine if Emys has a cryptic sex-specific region. Our results provide valuable data to guide future efforts on genome sequencing and anchoring in Emydidae and for understanding karyotype evolution in Testudines.

Chromosomal localization and characterization of rDNA loci in the Brassica A and C genomes

Genome ◽  
1997 ◽  
Vol 40 (4) ◽  
pp. 582-587 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. J. Snowdon ◽  
W. Köhler ◽  
A. Köhler
Keyword(s):  
In Situ Hybridization ◽  
Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization ◽  
Ribosomal Dna ◽  
Diploid Species ◽  
Rdna Locus ◽  
Chromosome Morphology ◽  
Rdna Site ◽  
A Genome ◽  
Rdna Loci

Using fluorescence in situ hybridization, we located ribosomal DNA loci on prometaphase chromosomes of the diploid species Brassica rapa and Brassica oleracea and their amphidiploid Brassica napus. Based on comparisons of chromosome morphology and hybridization patterns, we characterized the individual B. napus rDNA loci according to their presumed origins in the Brassica A and C genomes. As reported in other studies, the sum of rDNA loci observed on B. rapa (AA genome) and B. oleracea (CC genome) chromosomes was one greater than the total number of loci seen in their amphidiploid B. napus (AACC). Evidence is presented that this reduction in B. napus rDNA locus number results from the loss of the smallest A genome rDNA site in the amphidiploid.Key words: Brassica, fluorescence in situ hybridization, ribosomal DNA, rDNA.

scholarly journals Comparative FISH-mapping of TTAGG telomeric sequences to the chromosomes of leafcutter ants (Formicidae, Myrmicinae): is the insect canonical sequence conserved?

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 369-385
Author(s):  
Carini Picardi Moraes de Castro ◽  
Danon Clemes Cardoso ◽  
Ricardo Micolino ◽  
Maykon Passos Cristiano
Keyword(s):  
High Homology ◽  
Atta Sexdens ◽  
Telomeric Sequences ◽  
Molecular Cytogenetic ◽  
Leafcutter Ants ◽  
Karyotypic Formula ◽  
Cytogenetic Characterization ◽  
Common Sequence

Telomeric sequences are conserved across species. The most common sequence reported among insects is (TTAGG)n, but its universal occurrence is not a consensus because other canonical motifs have been reported. In the present study, we used fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) using telomeric probes with (TTAGG)6 repeats to describe the telomere composition of leafcutter ants. We performed the molecular cytogenetic characterization of six Acromyrmex Mayr, 1865 and one Atta Fabricius, 1804 species (Acromyrmex ambiguus (Emery, 1888), Ac. crassispinus (Forel, 1909), Ac. lundii (Guérin-Mèneville, 1838), Ac. nigrosetosus (Forel, 1908), Ac. rugosus (Smith, 1858), Ac. subterraneus subterraneus (Forel, 1893), and Atta sexdens (Linnaeus, 1758)) and described it using a karyomorphometric approach on their chromosomes. The diploid chromosome number 2n = 38 was found in all Acromyrmex species, and the karyotypic formulas were as follows: Ac. ambiguus 2K = 14M + 12SM + 8ST + 4A, Ac. crassispinus 2K = 12M + 20SM + 4ST + 2A, Ac. lundii 2K = 10M + 14SM + 10ST + 4A, Ac. nigrosetosus 2K = 12M + 14SM + 10ST + 2A, and Ac. subterraneus subterraneus 2K = 14M + 18SM + 4ST + 2A. The exact karyotypic formula was not established for Ac. rugosus. FISH analyses revealed the telomeric regions in all the chromosomes of the species studied in the present work were marked by the (TTAGG)6 sequence. These results reinforce the premise that Formicidae presents high homology between their genera for the presence of the canonical sequence (TTAGG)n.

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