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Insights into avian molecular cytogenetics—with reptilian comparisons

Griffin, Darren K., Kretschmer, Rafael, Srikulnath, Kornsorn, Singchat, Worapong, O’Connor, Rebecca E., Romanov, Michael N. (2024) Insights into avian molecular cytogenetics—with reptilian comparisons. Molecular Cytogenetics, 17 . Article Number 24. E-ISSN 1755-8166. (doi:10.1186/s13039-024-00696-y) (KAR id:107670)

Abstract

In last 100 years or so, much information has been accumulated on avian karyology, genetics, physiology, biochemistry and evolution. The chicken genome project generated genomic resources used in comparative studies, elucidating fundamental evolutionary processes, much of it funded by the economic importance of domestic fowl (which are also excellent model species in many areas). Studying karyotypes and whole genome sequences revealed population processes, evolutionary biology, and genome function, uncovering the role of repetitive sequences, transposable elements and gene family expansion. Knowledge of the function of many genes and non-expressed or identified regulatory components is however still lacking. Birds (Aves) are diverse, have striking adaptations for flight, migration and survival and inhabit all continents most islands. They also have a unique karyotype with ~ 10 macrochromosomes and ~ 30 microchromosomes that are smaller than other reptiles. Classified into Palaeognathae and Neognathae they are evolutionarily close, and a subset of reptiles. Here we overview avian molecular cytogenetics with reptilian comparisons, shedding light on their karyotypes and genome structure features. We consider avian evolution, then avian (followed by reptilian) karyotypes and genomic features. We consider synteny disruptions, centromere repositioning, and repetitive elements before turning to comparative avian and reptilian genomics. In this context, we review comparative cytogenetics and genome mapping in birds as well as Z- and W-chromosomes and sex determination. Finally, we give examples of pivotal research areas in avian and reptilian cytogenomics, particularly physical mapping and map integration of sex chromosomal genes, comparative genomics of chicken, turkey and zebra finch, California condor cytogenomics as well as some peculiar cytogenetic and evolutionary examples. We conclude that comparative molecular studies and improving resources continually contribute to new approaches in population biology, developmental biology, physiology, disease ecology, systematics, evolution and phylogenetic systematics orientation. This also produces genetic mapping information for chromosomes active in rearrangements during the course of evolution. Further insights into mutation, selection and adaptation of vertebrate genomes will benefit from these studies including physical and online resources for the further elaboration of comparative genomics approaches for many fundamental biological questions.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1186/s13039-024-00696-y
Uncontrolled keywords: avian; bird, reptile; evolution; cytogenetics; cytogenomics; genome; sex chromosomes; comparative genomics
Subjects: Q Science > QH Natural history
Q Science > QH Natural history > QH426 Genetics
Q Science > QH Natural history > QH581.2 Cell Biology
Q Science > QL Zoology
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Natural Sciences > Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies of Reproduction
Divisions > Division of Natural Sciences > Biosciences
Signature Themes: Food Systems, Natural Resources and Environment
Funders: Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (https://ror.org/00cwqg982)
Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul (https://ror.org/05k49za97)
Depositing User: Mike Romanov
Date Deposited: 31 Oct 2024 20:19 UTC
Last Modified: 21 Nov 2024 14:45 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/107670 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

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