Pair Of Microchromosomes Research Articles

Chromosomes of tuatara, Sphenodon, a chromosome heteromorphism and an archaic reptilian karyotype

We examined karyotypes of the endemic New Zealand reptile genus Sphenodon (tuatara) from five populations, finding a karyotype unchanged for at least one million years. Animals karyotyped were from five geographically distinct populations, representing three groups, namely S. guntheri, S. punctatus (Cook Strait group), and S. punctatus (northeastern North Island group). All five populations have a diploid chromosome number of 2n = 36, consisting of 14 pairs of macrochromosomes and four pairs of microchromosomes. Chromosomal differences were not found between the five populations nor between female and male animals, except for one animal with a structural heteromorphism. Similarity between Sphenodon and Testudine karyotypes suggests an ancestral karyotype with a macrochromosome complement of 14 pairs and the ability to accumulate variable numbers of microchromosome pairs. Our research supports molecular phylogenies of the Reptilia.

A comparative karyological study of the blue-breasted quail (Coturnix chinensis, Phasianidae) and California quail (Callipepla californica, Odontophoridae)

We conducted comparative chromosome painting and chromosome mapping with chicken DNA probes against the blue-breasted quail (Coturnix chinensis, CCH) and California quail (Callipepla californica, CCA), which are classified into the Old World quail and the New World quail, respectively. Each chicken probe of chromosomes 1–9 and Z painted a pair of chromosomes in the blue-breasted quail. In California quail, chicken chromosome 2 probe painted chromosomes 3 and 6, and chicken chromosome 4 probe painted chromosomes 4 and a pair of microchromosomes. Comparison of the cytogenetic maps of the two quail species with those of chicken and Japanese quail revealed that there are several intrachromosomal rearrangements, pericentric and/or paracentric inversions, in chromosomes 1, 2 and 4 between chicken and the Old World quail. In addition, a pericentric inversion was found in chromosome 8 between chicken and the three quail species. Ordering of the Z-linked DNA clones revealed the presence of multiple rearrangements in the Z chromosomes of the three quail species. Comparing these results with the molecular phylogeny of Galliformes species, it was also cytogenetically supported that the New World quail is classified into a different clade from the lineage containing chicken and the Old World quail.

Karyotype differentiation and reproductive isolation among natural populations of Drosophila lacertosa.

Drosophila lacertosa is widely distributed from northern India to Far East of Russia throughout China. We have studied geographical distributions of three kinds of chromosomal karyotypes, type D (2n=10, 4 pairs of V-shaped metacentric chromosomes and a pair of micro-chromosomes), type L (2n=10, 5V with a pair of large-sized heterochromatic autosomes) and type M (2n=10, 5V with middle-sized ones). Type D was found exclusively in local populations of D. lacertosa distributed in Yun-Gui Plateau, southwestern China. Both type L and M have a wide range of distribution, and the former occurred in subtropical regions of China including Taiwan Island, whereas the latter in cool temperate regions of East Asia covering Far East of Russia, Korea and the Japan Islands. A strong pre-mating isolation was detected between flies with type D and those with type L or M. These data demonstrate that genetic differentiation leading to cryptic speciation might have occurred in natural populations of Drosophila lacertosa.

Comparative chromosome painting of chicken autosomal paints 1–9 in nine different bird species

In a Zoo-FISH study chicken autosomal chromosome paints 1 to 9 (GGA1–GGA9) were hybridized to metaphase spreads of nine diverse birds belonging to primitive and modern orders. This comparative approach allows tracing of chromosomal rearrangements that occurred during bird evolution. Striking homologies in the chromosomes of the different species were noted, indicating a high degree of evolutionary conservation in avian karyotypes. In two species, the quail and the goose, all chicken paints specifically labeled their corresponding chromosomes. In three pheasant species as well as in the American rhea and blackbird, GGA4 hybridized to chromosome 4 and additionally to a single pair of microchromosomes. Furthermore, in the pheasants fission of the ancestral galliform chromosome 2 could be documented. Hybridization of various chicken probes to two different chromosomes or to only the short or long chromosome arm of one chromosome pair in the species representing the orders Passeriformes, Strigiformes, and Columbiformes revealed translocations and chromosome fissions during species radiation. Thus comparative analysis with chicken chromosome-specific painting probes proves to be a rapid and comprehensive approach to elucidate the chromosomal relationships of the extant birds.

Comparative cytogenetics and supernumerary chromosomes in the Brazilian lizard genus Enyalius (Squamata, Polychrotidae).

Cytogenetical analyses based on conventional and differential staining were performed for the first time on five species of the Brazilian lizard genus Enyalius: E. bibronii, E. bilineatus, E. iheringii, E. leechii, and E. perditus. The species share a similar 2n = 36 (12M + 24m) karyotype, comprised of 12 metacentric or submetacentric macrochromosomes, except for an acrocentric pair 6 that characterizes E. bibronii. The 24 microchromosomes were acrocentrics, but in E. perditus two meta/submetacentric microchromosome pairs were unambiguously identified. Karyotypes with 2n = 37 and 2n = 37/38 chromosomes were also observed in some specimens of E. bilineatus as a result of the presence of supernumerary chromosomes (Bs). Ag-NORs were always located at the distal region of the long arm of the submetacentric pair 2. The constitutive heterochromatin was mostly restricted to the pericentromeric regions of some macrochromosomes and microchromosomes. A XX:XY mechanism of sex determination with a dot-like Y microchromosome occurs in E. bilineatus, E. leechii, and E. perditus.

Characterization and chromosomal distribution of novel satellite DNA sequences of the lesser rhea (Pterocnemia pennata) and the greater rhea (Rhea americana).

Two different types of novel satellite DNA (stDNA) sequences were cloned from the lesser rhea (Ptercnemia pennata) and the greater rhea (Rhea americana) after digestion of genomic DNAs with a restriction endonuclease Pvu II, and characterized by filter hybridization and in-situ hybridization to metaphase chromosomes. These nucleotide sequences consisted of GC-rich 288-bp and 332-bp repeated elements in P. pennata and 288-bp and 336-bp repeated elements in R. americana, all of which were organized in tandem arrays in the genome. The 288-bp and 332-bp elements of P. pennata displayed strong sequence similarity with the 288-bp and 336-bp elements of R. americana, respectively. The 332-bp and 336-bp elements were located on almost all the microchromosomes in both the species. The other type of repeated elements, the 288-bp element, was located on four and nine pairs of microchromosomes in P. pennata and R. americana, respectively. All the stDNA sequences were not crosshybridized to genomic DNAs of another three ratite species, ostrich (Struthio camelus), cassowary (Casuarius casuarius) and emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae), suggesting that these stDNA sequences are conserved in the same family but fairly divergent among the different families of Struthioniformes.

Chromosome assignment of eight SOX family genes in chicken

Chromosome locations of the eight SOX family genes, SOX1, SOX2, SOX3, SOX5, SOX9, SOX10, SOX14 and SOX21, were determined in the chicken by fluorescence in situ hybridization. The SOX1 and SOX21 genes were localized to chicken chromosome 1q3.1→q3.2, SOX5 to chromosome 1p1.6→p1.4, SOX10 to chromosome 1p1.6, and SOX3 to chromosome 4p1.2→p1.1. The SOX2 and SOX14 genes were shown to be linked to chromosome 9 using two-colored FISH and chromosome painting, and the SOX9 gene was assigned to a pair of microchromosomes. These results suggest that these SOX genes form at least three clusters on chicken chromosomes. The seven SOX genes, SOX1, SOX2, SOX3, SOX5, SOX10, SOX14 and SOX21 were localized to chromosome segments with homologies to human chromosomes, indicating that the chromosome locations of SOX family genes are highly conserved between chicken and human.

Cytogenetic analysis of California condor (Gymnogyps californianus) chromosomes: comparison with chicken (Gallus gallus) macrochromosomes

The California condor is the largest flying bird in North America and belongs to a group of New World vultures. Recovering from a near fatal population decline, and currently with only 197 extant individuals, the species remains listed as endangered. Very little genetic information exists for this species, although sexing methods employing chromosome analysis or W-chromosome specific amplification is routinely applied for the management of this monomorphic species. Keeping in mind that genetic conditions like chondrodystrophy have been identified, preliminary steps were undertaken in this study to understand the genome organization of the condor. This included an extensive cytogenetic analysis that provided (i) a chromosome number of 80 (with a likelihood of an extra pair of microchromosomes), and (ii) information on the centromeres, telomeres and nucleolus organizer regions. Further, a comparison between condor and chicken macrochromosomes was obtained by using individual chicken chromosome specific paints 1–9 and Z and W on condor metaphase spreads. Except for chromosomes 4 and Z, each of the chicken (GGA) macrochromosomes painted a single condor (GCA) macrochromosome. GGA4 paint detected complete homology with two condor chromosomes, viz., GCA4 and GCA9 providing additional proof that the latter are ancestral chromosomes in the birds. The chicken Z chromosome showed correspondence with both Z and W in the condor. The homology suggests that the condor sex chromosomes have not completely differentiated during evolution, which is unlike the majority of the non-ratites studied up till now. Overall, the study provides detailed cytogenetic and basic comparative information on condor chromosomes. These findings significantly advance the effort to study the chondrodystrophy that is responsible for over ten percent mortality in the condor.

Arrangements of macro- and microchromosomes in chicken cells.

Arrangements of chromosome territories in nuclei of chicken fibroblasts and neurons were analysed employing multicolour chromosome painting, laser confocal scanning microscopy and three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction. The chicken karyotype consists of 9 pairs of macrochromosomes and 30 pairs of microchromosomes. Although the latter represent only 23% of the chicken genome they containalmost 50% of its genes. We show that territories of microchromosomes in fibroblasts and neurons were clustered within the centre of the nucleus, while territories of the macrochromosomes were preferentially located towards the nuclear periphery. In contrast to these highly consistent radial arrangements, the relative arrangements of macrochromosome territories with respect to each other (side-by-side arrangements) were variable. A stringent radial arrangement of macro- and microchromosomes was found in mitotic cells. Replication labelling studies revealed a pattern of DNA replication similar to mammalian cell nuclei: gene dense, early replicating chromatin mostly represented by microchromosomes, was located within the nuclear interior, surrounded by a rim of late replicating chromatin. These results support the evolutionary conservation of several features of higher-order chromatin organization between mammals and birds despite the differences in their karyotypes.

Chromosome Study of Persian Sturgeon Acipenser persicus B.

The karyotype of the Persian sturgeon that occurs in the southern part of the CaspianSea (Iranian shoreline) was studied for the first time. Metaphase plates prepared in this study indicate that the chromosome number of this species in 2n=258±4. Owing to the presence of a greatnumber of microchromosomes (about half the number of the whole set) it was not possible to determine the exact number of chromosomes. The morphology of all the chromosomes was not clear due to the small size of the microchromosomes. The karyotype prepared of this species consisted of 67 pairs of meta-and submetacentric, 64 pairs of acrocentric and microchromosomes.

The karyotype of the Iberian imperial eagle (Aquila adalberti) analyzed by classical and DNA replication banding

We report here for the first time the karyotype of the Iberian imperial eagle (Aquila adalberti). All eagles examined had a diploid number of 82 chromosomes and a greater number of microchromosomes (12 pairs) than has been found in all other species of the Accipitridae family. This karyotypic evidence corroborates the recent separation of A. adalberti from A. heliaca on the basis of molecular data. RB-FPG banding induced a specific banding pattern that allowed us to identify homologous chromosome pairs and revealed features about late and early replicating regions. Several chromosome banding techniques (C-, CMA₃-, and restriction endonuclease banding and silver staining) were used to characterize the karyotype more accurately. Two GC-rich, late-replicating heterochromatin regions were found in the W chromosome. These regions are AluI resistant and can be used for sex determination in this species. All microchromosomes were heterochromatic, GC rich, and late replicating. Silver staining revealed active nucleolus organizing regions on a pair of microchromosomes that were entirely heterochromatic and stained intensely after CMA₃-banding. Different chromosome rearrangements are discussed in order to establish the phylogenetic relationship between A. adalberti and its most closely related species, A. heliaca.

Cytogenetic assignment of 29 functional genes to chicken microchromosomes by FISH

We assigned 29 functional genes to chicken microchromosomes by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Two linkage groups in the genetic linkage map of the East Lansing breed were identified in this study by localizing the genes AGRN and H2FA to microchromosomes. The frequency of the genes mapped on 30 pairs of microchromosomes, which account for roughly 30% of the whole chicken genome, was about 40% of the 73 genes randomly mapped in our laboratory. This result confirms the important role of microchromosomes for avian genome function and supports the likelihood of a high gene density on avian microchromosomes.

Nucleolar organizer regions and a new chromosome number for Rhea americana (Aves: Rheiformes)

Sequential banding analysis (Giemsa-C-banding-Ag NOR) of chromosomes of the common rhea (Rhea americana) was performed. Metaphases were obtained by peripheral blood lymphocyte culture and monolayer embryo cell culture. The diploid chromosome number was 80, different from the 2n = 82 in previous reports. Macrochromosome pairs 1, 2 and 5 were submetacentric and pair 3, subacrocentric. The 4th pair was acrocentric and all of the microchromosomes appeared to be acrocentric, with the exception of a clearly metacentric pair which was fully heterochromatic. The Z was slightly larger than the W, both being acrocentric and C-band negative. Nucleolar organizer regions were observed in the secondary constriction of a microchromosome pair. Correct identification of the NOR-bearing pair was possible only by sequential analyses, Giemsa staining followed by the Ag-NOR technique.

A new derived and highly polymorphic chromosomal race of Liolaemus monticola (Iguanidae) from the 'Norte Chico' of Chile.

A multiple Robertsonian fission chromosomal race of the Liolaemus monticola complex in Chile is described and is shown to be the most derived and the most complex among the Liolaemus examined thus far. The 29 karyotyped lizards analysed from the locality of Mina Hierro Viejo, Petorca, Provincia de Valparaiso, Chile, exhibited a diploid chromosomal number ranging from 42 to 44, and several polymorphisms. The polymorphisms included: a pair 1 fission; a pair 2 fission plus a pericentric inversion in one of the fission products, which moved the NOR and satellite from the tip of the long arm of the metacentric 2 to the short arm of the fission product; a fission in pair 3; a polymorphism for an enlarged chromosome pair 6; and a polymorphism for a pericentric inversion in pair 7. This population is fixed for a fission of chromosome pair 4. A total of 76% of the lizards analysed were polymorphic for one or more pairs of chromosomes. We have compared these data with other Liolaemus monticola chromosomal races and calculated the Hardy-Weinberg ratios for the polymorphic chromosome pairs in this Multiple-Fission race. Karyotypic differences between the Northern (2n = 38-40) and the Multiple-Fission (2n = 42-44) races were attributed mainly to Robertsonian fissions, an enlarged chromosome and pericentric inversions involving the macrochromosomes and one microchromosome pair.

Identification of 16 chicken microchromosomes by molecular markers using two-colour fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH).

A feature of avian karyotypes is the presence of microchromosomes. As a typical avian genome, the chicken karyotype (2n = 78) consists of nine pairs of macrochromosomes, including the W and Z sexual chromosomes, and 30 pairs of indistinguishable microchromosomes usually ordered arbitrarily by decreasing size. Despite their reduced size, microchromosomes represent one-third of the genome and have a high gene density. So as to provide a tool to identify them, we developed a set of large insert-containing clones to be used as tags in two-colour fluorescence in situ hybridization experiments. Seventeen clones, six of which contain a microsatellite sequence and two others the fatty acid synthase gene or genes from the major histocompatibility complex, all presenting a strong hybridization signal, were selected for this purpose and enabled us to identify 16 different microchromosomes. The ability to recognize individual microchromosomes will be of great value for cytogenetic gene mapping, assignation of linkage groups from genetic maps and other studies on avian genome structure.

A systematic review of the snakes allied to Amphiesma pryeri (Boulenger) (Squamata: Colubridae) in the Ryukyu Archipelago, Japan

Abstract External characters, hemipenial morphology, karyotype, and reproductive mode were examined for the three subspecies of the endemic Ryukyu natricine, Amphiesma pryeri. Results revealed that populations of the Yaeyama Group, currently regarded as comprising a subspecies, A. p. ishigakiense , have several unique features such as the brownish ground colour of head, termination of sulcus spermaticus in the crotch between apical lobes of the hemipenis, terminal location of centromeres in the largest microchromosome pair, and the viviparous mode of reproduction. In the other populations, ground colour of head is black or dark greyish tan; sulcus spermaticus terminates near the tip of the left lobe of the hemipenis; the largest microchromosome pair is metacentric; and the reproductive mode is oviparous. Of these, however, the Miyakojima population, which currently consists solely of the subspecies, A. p. concelarum , differs from the nominotypical subspecies from the central Ryukyus in having only 94–102 subcaudal scales and telocentric W chromosome; A. p. pryeri has 112–130 subcaudal scales and submetacentric W chromosomes. These strongly suggest that the two subspecies have also substantially diverged from each other, constituting distinct evolutionary lineages. We thus accord full-species status to each of pryeri, concelarum and ishigakiense , and revise their definitions on the basis of the present results. A dichotomous key to the Japanese species and subspecies of Amphiesma is provided. opyright 1997 The Linnean Society of London

A systematic review of the snakes allied toAmphiesma pryeri(Boulenger) (Squamata: Colubridae) in the Ryukyu Archipelago, Japan

External characters, hemipenial morphology, karyotype, and reproductive mode were examined for the three subspecies of the endemic Ryukyu natricine,Amphiesma pryeri.Results revealed that populations of the Yaeyama Group, currently regarded as comprising a subspecies,A. p. ishigakiense, have several unique features such as the brownish ground colour of head, termination of sulcus spermaticus in the crotch between apical lobes of the hemipenis, terminal location of centromeres in the largest microchromosome pair, and the viviparous mode of reproduction. In the other populations, ground colour of head is black or dark greyish tan; sulcus spermaticus terminates near the tip of the left lobe of the hemipenis; the largest microchromosome pair is metacentric; and the reproductive mode is oviparous. Of these, however, the Miyakojima population, which currently consists solely of the subspecies,A. p. concelarum, differs from the nominotypical subspecies from the central Ryukyus in having only 94–102 subcaudal scales and telocentric W chromosome;A. p. pryerihas 112–130 subcaudal scales and submetacentric W chromosomes. These strongly suggest that the two subspecies have also substantially diverged from each other, constituting distinct evolutionary lineages. We thus accord full-species status to each ofpryeri, concelarumandishigakiense, and revise their definitions on the basis of the present results. A dichotomous key to the Japanese species and subspecies ofAmphiesmais provided.opyright 1997 The Linnean Society of London

A karyotype study on the Drosophila robusta species-group (Diptera: Drosophilidae).

The karyotypes of the Drosophila robusta species-group, especially its species-subgroup okadai, were studied by using brain cell-Giemsa staining method. Drosophila gani possessed a diploid number of 12 chromosomes, comprising 4 pairs of metacentric, 2 pairs of acrocentric chromosomes, and both D. okadai and D. neokadai did 2n = 12, with 3 pairs of metacentrics, 2 pairs of acrocentrics and 1 pair of microchromosomes. The okadai subgroup characteristically retained a middle-sized acrocentric X chromosome, which implies that this subgroup may occupy an ancestral position for the robusta group.

Chromosomal Studies of Four Egyptian Lizards of the Families Agamidae and Scincidae.

Chromosomal analysis of the four Egyptian species, Agama savignii, Agama stellio, Utomastix aegyptius (Family Agamidae) and Eumeces schneideri (Family Scincidae) have been studied. The diploid chromosome number and fundamental number (FN) of A. savignii is 2n = 46 and FN = 46. The karyotype of this species have 12 pairs of uniarmed macrochromosomes and 11 pairs of microchromosomes. The diploid chromosome number and FN of A. stellio and U. aegyptius are 2n = 36, FN = 48 and 2n = 34, FN = 46, respectively. The karyotype of each species is composed of 6 pairs of biarmed macrochromosomes and either 12 pairs of microchromosomes as in A. stellio or 11 pairs of U. aegyptius. The diploid chromosome number and FN of E. schneideri is 2n = 32 and FN = 46. The karyotype consists of 10 pairs of biarmed macrochromosomes, 2 pairs of acrocentric macrochromosomes and 4 pairs of microchromosomes. No clear differences were observed in the sex chromosomes of both sexes. Comparison of the karyotypic data of these species had been discussed.

Karyotype and nuclear DNA content of the Australian lungfish, <i>Neoceratodus forster</i><i>i</i> (Ceratodidae: Dipnoi)

The karyotype of the lungfish, Neoceratodus forsteri, is described as 2n = 54, comprising 3 pairs of very large metacentrics, 1 pair of large submetacentrics, 13 pairs of smaller acrocentrics, and 10 pairs of microchromosomes. In addition to centromeric constitutive heterochromatin, C-bands were located on the arms of almost all of the macrochromosomes. The nuclear DNA content of N. forsteri was confirmed as being high (98.6-111.9 pg/nucleus).