Distribution of CR1-like transposable element in woodpeckers (Aves Piciformes): Z sex chromosomes can act as a refuge for transposable elements.

This study compared patterns of chromosome distribution among five bird species, through chromosome mapping of the CR1 sequence and reconstructed their phylogenetic tree. We analyzed several members of Piciformes (Colaptes campestris, Colaptes melanochloros, Melanerpes candidus, and Veniliornis spilogaster), as well as Galliformes (Gallus gallus). Gallus gallus is the species with which most genomic and hence cytogenetic studies have been performed. The results showed that CR1 sequences are a monophyletic group and do not depend on their hosts. All species analyzed showed a hybridization signal by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). In all species, the chromosomal distribution of CR1 was not restricted to heterochromatin regions in the macrochromosomes, principally pair 1 and the Z sex chromosome. Accumulation in the Z sex chromosomes can serve as a refuge for transposable elements. These results highlight the importance of transposable elements in host genomes and karyotype evolution.
PMID: 30499043 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Source: Chromosome Research - November 29, 2018 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Authors: Bertocchi NA, de Oliveira TD, Del Valle Garnero A, Coan RLB, Gunski RJ, Martins C, Torres FP Tags: Chromosome Res Source Type: research