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Patterns of microchromosome organization remain highly conserved throughout avian evolution.

Published version
Peer-reviewed

Type

Article

Change log

Authors

O'Connor, Rebecca E  ORCID logo  https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4270-970X
Kiazim, Lucas 
Skinner, Ben 
Fonseka, Gothami 
Joseph, Sunitha 

Abstract

The structure and organization of a species genome at a karyotypic level, and in interphase nuclei, have broad functional significance. Although regular sized chromosomes are studied extensively in this regard, microchromosomes, which are present in many terrestrial vertebrates, remain poorly explored. Birds have more cytologically indistinguishable microchromosomes (~ 30 pairs) than other vertebrates; however, the degree to which genome organization patterns at a karyotypic and interphase level differ between species is unknown. In species where microchromosomes have fused to other chromosomes, they retain genomic features such as gene density and GC content; however, the extent to which they retain a central nuclear position has not been investigated. In studying 22 avian species from 10 orders, we established that, other than in species where microchromosomal fusion is obvious (Falconiformes and Psittaciformes), there was no evidence of microchromosomal rearrangement, suggesting an evolutionarily stable avian genome (karyotypic) organization. Moreover, in species where microchromosomal fusion has occurred, they retain a central nuclear location, suggesting that the nuclear position of microchromosomes is a function of their genomic features rather than their physical size.

Description

Keywords

Avian, Conservation, Evolution, Genome, Microchromosome, Animals, Biological Evolution, Birds, Chromosome Painting, Chromosomes, Genome, Karyotyping, Phylogeny, Recombination, Genetic, Species Specificity, Synteny

Journal Title

Chromosoma

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

0009-5915
1432-0886

Volume Title

128

Publisher

Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Sponsorship
Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BB/N000129/1)