A universal karyotypic system for hexaploid and diploid Avena species brings oat cytogenetics into the genomics era

Background The identification of chromosomes among Avena species have been studied by C-banding and in situ hybridization. However, the complicated results from several cytogenetic nomenclatures for identifying oat chromosomes are often contradictory. A universal karyotyping nomenclature system for precise chromosome identification and comparative evolutionary studies would be essential for genus Avena based on the recently released genome sequences of hexaploid and diploid Avena species. Results Tandem repetitive sequences were predicted and physically located on chromosomal regions of the released Avena sativa OT3098 genome assembly v1. Eight new oligonucleotide (oligo) probes for sequential fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were designed and then applied for chromosome karyotyping on mitotic metaphase spreads of A. brevis, A. nuda, A. wiestii, A. ventricosa, A. fatua, and A. sativa species. We established a high-resolution standard karyotype of A. sativa based on the distinct FISH signals of multiple oligo probes. FISH painting with bulked oligos, based on wheat-barley collinear regions, was used to validate the linkage group assignment for individual A. sativa chromosomes. We integrated our new Oligo-FISH based karyotype system with earlier karyotype nomenclatures through sequential C-banding and FISH methods, then subsequently determined the precise breakage points of some chromosome translocations in A. sativa. Conclusions This new universal chromosome identification system will be a powerful tool for describing the genetic diversity, chromosomal rearrangements and evolutionary relationships among Avena species by comparative cytogenetic and genomic approaches.

A universal karyotypic system for hexaploid and diploid Avena species brings oat cytogenetics into the genomics era

Background The identification of chromosomes among Avena species have been studied by C-banding and in situ hybridization. However, the complicated results from several cytogenetic nomenclatures for identifying oat chromosomes are often contradictory. A universal karyotyping nomenclature system for precise chromosome identification and comparative evolutionary studies would be essential for genus Avena based on the recently released genome sequences of hexaploid and diploid Avena species. Results Tandem repetitive sequences were predicted and physically located on chromosomal regions of the Avena sativa genomes. Thirteen new oligonucleotide (oligo) probes for sequential fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were designed and then applied for chromosome karyotyping on mitotic metaphase spreads of eleven hexaploid and diploid Avena accessions. We established a high resolution standard karyotype of A. sativa based on the distinct FISH signals of multiple oligo probes. FISH painting with bulked oligos, based on wheat-barley collinear regions, was used to validate the linkage group assignment for individual A. sativa chromosomes. We integrated our new Oligo-FISH based karyotype system with earlier karyotype nomenclatures through sequential C-banding and FISH methods, then subsequently determined the precise breakage points of some chromosome translocations. Conclusion This new universal chromosome identification system will be a powerful tool for describing the genetic diversity, chromosomal rearrangements and evolutionary relationships among Avena species by comparative cytogenetic and genomic approaches.

Karyotyping Dasypyrum breviaristatum chromosomes with multiple oligonucleotide probes reveals the genomic divergence in Dasypyrum

The perennial species <i>Dasypyrum breviaristatum</i> (genome V^b) contains many potentially valuable genes for the improvement of common wheat. Construction of a detailed karyotype of <i>D. breviaristatum</i> chromosomes will be useful for the detection of <i>Dasypyrum</i> chromatin in wheat background. We established the standard karyotype of 1V^b-7V^b chromosomes through non-denaturing fluorescence <i>in situ</i> hybridization (ND-FISH) technique using 28 oligonucleotide probes from the wheat-<i>D. breviaristatum</i> partial amphiploid TDH-2 (AABBV^bV^b) and newly identified wheat-<i>D. breviaristatum</i> disomic translocation and addition lines D2138 (6V^bS.2V^bL), D2547 (4V^b) and D2532 (3V^bS.6V^bL) by comparative molecular marker analysis. The ND-FISH with multiple oligo probes were conducted on the durum wheat-<i>D. villosum</i> amphiploid TDV-1 and large karyotype differences between <i>D. breviaristatum</i> and <i>D. villosum</i> was revealed. These ND-FISH probes will be valuable for screening the wheat-<i>Dasypyrum</i> derivative lines for chromosome identification, and newly developed wheat-<i>D. breviaristatum</i> addition lines may broaden the gene pool of wheat breeding. The differences between <i>D. villosum</i> and <i>D. breviaristatum</i> chromosomes revealed by ND-FISH will help us understand evolutionary divergence of repetitive sequences within the genus <i>Dasypyrum</i>.

Fifty Years of Research on European Mink Mustela lutreola L., 1761 Genetics: Where Are We Now in Studies on One of the Most Endangered Mammals?

The purpose of this review is to present the current state of knowledge about the genetics of European mink Mustela lutreola L., 1761, which is one of the most endangered mammalian species in the world. This article provides a comprehensive description of the studies undertaken over the last 50 years in terms of cytogenetics, molecular genetics, genomics (including mitogenomics), population genetics of wild populations and captive stocks, phylogenetics, phylogeography, and applied genetics (including identification by genetic methods, molecular ecology, and conservation genetics). An extensive and up-to-date review and critical analysis of the available specialist literature on the topic is provided, with special reference to conservation genetics. Unresolved issues are also described, such as the standard karyotype, systematic position, and whole-genome sequencing, and hotly debated issues are addressed, like the origin of the Southwestern population of the European mink and management approaches of the most distinct populations of the species. Finally, the most urgent directions of future research, based on the research questions arising from completed studies and the implementation of conservation measures to save and restore M. lutreola populations, are outlined. The importance of the popularization of research topics related to European mink genetics among scientists is highlighted.

Does divergence from normal patterns of integration increase as chromosomal fusions increase in number? A test on a house mouse hybrid zone

Chromosomal evolution is widely considered an important driver of speciation because it can promote the establishment of reproductive barriers. Karyotypic reorganization is also expected to affect the mean phenotype, as well as its development and patterns of phenotypic integration, through processes such as variation in genetic linkage between quantitative trait loci or between regulatory regions and their targets. Here we explore the relationship between chromosomal evolution and phenotypic integration by analyzing a well-known house mouse parapatric contact zone between a highly derived Robertsonian (Rb) race (2n = 22) and populations with standard karyotype (2n = 40). Populations with hybrid karyotypes are scattered throughout the hybrid zone connecting the two parental races. Using mandible shape data and geometric morphometrics, we test the hypothesis that patterns of integration progressively diverge from the “normal” integration pattern observed in the standard race as they accumulate Rb fusions. We find that the main pattern of integration observed between the posterior and anterior part of the mandible can be largely attributed to allometry. We find no support for a gradual increase in divergence from normal patterns of integration as fusions accumulate. Surprisingly, however, we find that the derived Rb race (2n = 22) has a distinct allometric trajectory compared with the standard race. Our results suggest that either individual fusions disproportionately affect patterns of integration or that there are mechanisms which “purge” extreme variants in hybrids (e.g. reduced fitness of hybrid shape).

Cytogenetic findings in Serbian patients with Klinefelter syndrome

Klinefelter syndrome (KS) describes the phenotype of the most common sex chromosome abnormality in humans (1/600 newborn males). The most widespread karyotype in affected patients is 47,XXY, but various others have been described. The aim of this study was to examine the karyotypes of a group of patients suspected of having Klinefelter's syndrome. Between January 1993 and April 2018 104 adult KS patients were evaluated. Cytogenetic analysis was carried out on metaphases obtained from phytohemagglutinin-stimulated peripheral lymphocytes using a standard procedure. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis was performed on peripheral blood specimens. Vysis CEP X/Y- alpha satellite DNA probes were used to detect X and Y chromosomes. We identified KS presenting the ?standard? or 47,XXY karyotype in eighty three (80%) patients, while five (5%) KS patients showed the mosaic karyotype 47,XXY/46,XY and three (3%) patients had the mosaic karyotype 47,XXY/46,XX. In six (6%) cases KS patients with the ?standard? karyotype also had autosomal chromosomal abnormalities, while numerical sex chromosome abnormalities, with karyotypes 48,XXYY occurred in two (2%) subjects, 47,XYY in three (3%) and 47,XYY/46,XY in two (2%) individuals. Thus, most of our KS patients had the 'standard', 47,XXY karyotype, but some men formed a group of patients with a diversity of other karyotypes. These disparate chromosomal variants may have different physical and mental implications for the general symptomatology of KS. Therefore, it is important to determine the nature of the karyotype of every male with clinical characteristics of KS in very early childhood in order to initiate an adequate, personalized, medical approach.

Molecular Characterization of a Familial 13.6-Mb 20p11.1p12.1 Duplication without Clinical Consequence

Chromosomal microarray (CMA) is currently considered as a first-tier test in the genetic assessment of patients presenting with intellectual disability and/or multiple congenital abnormalities. The distinction between pathogenic CNVs, polymorphisms, and variants of unknown significance can be a diagnostic dilemma for cytogeneticists. The size of the CNV has been proposed as a useful criterion. We herein report the characterization of a 13.6-Mb interstitial duplication 20p11.1p12.1, found in a child presenting with mild global developmental delay, by standard karyotype and CMA. Unexpectedly, the same CNV was detected in the patient's mother and pregnant sister, who were healthy. On the basis of these results, an implication of this CNV in the neurological problems observed in the proband was considered to be unlikely. This report underlines the complexity of genetic counseling concerning rare chromosomal abnormalities, when little information is available either in the literature or in international cytogenetic databases.

Afit: a bioinformatic tool for measuring aphid fitness and invasiveness

A careful measure of fitness represents a crucial target in crop pest management and becomes fundamental considering extremely prolific insects. In the present paper, we describe a standardized rearing protocol and a bioinformatics tool to calculate aphid fitness indices and invasiveness starting from life table data. We tested the protocol and the bioinformatic tool using six Myzus persicae (Sulzer) asexual lineages in order to investigate if karyotype rearrangements and ecotype could influence their reproductive performances. The tool showed that different karyotypes do not influence adaptive success and put in evidence a marked invasive potential of the M. persicae lineage 64. The presence of a similar fitness rate of 33H and 7GK asexual lineages (both possessing intra-individual karyotype variations) in respect to the asexual lineage 1 (with a standard karyotype) represents an important demonstration of the potentiality of holocentric chromosomes to reduce the effects of chromosome rearrangements.