Skip to main content

Patterns of microchromosome organization remain highly conserved throughout avian evolution

O’Connor, Rebecca, Kiazim, Lucas, Skinner, Ben, Fonseka, Gothami, Joseph, Sunitha, Jennings, Rebecca, Larkin, Denis M., Griffin, Darren K. (2019) Patterns of microchromosome organization remain highly conserved throughout avian evolution. Chromosoma, 128 . pp. 21-29. ISSN 0009-5915. (doi:10.1007/s00412-018-0685-6) (KAR id:71562)

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.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1007/s00412-018-0685-6
Uncontrolled keywords: Microchromosome . Evolution . Avian . Genome . Conservation
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Natural Sciences > Biosciences
Depositing User: Darren Griffin
Date Deposited: 07 Jan 2019 16:23 UTC
Last Modified: 27 Nov 2023 15:03 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/71562 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

O’Connor, Rebecca.

Creator's ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4270-970X
CReDIT Contributor Roles:

Joseph, Sunitha.

Creator's ORCID:
CReDIT Contributor Roles:

Griffin, Darren K..

Creator's ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7595-3226
CReDIT Contributor Roles:
  • Depositors only (login required):

Total unique views for this document in KAR since July 2020. For more details click on the image.