Integrating cytogenetics and genomics in understanding B chromosomes structure and evolution using the cichlid fish Haplochromis obliquidens as a model

• Grant number: 11/03807-7
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: June 01, 2011
• End date: May 31, 2013
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Genetics - Animal Genetics
• Principal Investigator: César Martins
• Grantee: César Martins
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biociências (IBB). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Botucatu. Botucatu , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The B chromosomes occur in addition to the A complement and have been described in about 15% of eukaryotes. Some studies have discussed its distribution, frequency, inheritance mechanisms, gene expression effects, structure and origin. Concerning the composition, these chromosomes are generally heterochromatic or composed primarily of repeated elements, although the presence of genes has not been rigorously tested. Moreover, studies related to expression of B chromosomes or its influence in the A complement expression are restrict to few groups. The cichlid group has received wide scientific interest due some species present a wide importance for aquaculture and some groups have undergone an extensive adaptive radiation process. Furthermore, it has been described in some species of the group the presence of B chromosomes, as observed in Haplochromis obliquidens. The genomes of some species of cichlids are completely sequenced, as Oreochromis niloticus for instance, and other ones are in the process of sequencing. Additionally, microarray platforms are available for the species O. niloticus e Astatotilapia burtoni. Considering the mentioned aspects, linked to the possibility of the use of tools to integrate genomic data, as whole sequenced genomes, and microarray platforms and molecular cytogenetics (cytogenomics), the present project aims to analyze the genomic content, origin, evolution and genetic expression modifications related to the presence of B chromosomes, using as model the species H. obliquidens. These integrative analysis are promising in the elucidation of several questions related to the distinct mechanisms/processes and biological structures, like the B chromosomes, opening perspectives for the achievement of knowledge about the biological significance of the B elements in eukaryotes. (AU)

Scientific publications

(5)

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

VALENTE, GUILHERME; KOCHER, THOMAS; EICKBUSH, THOMAS; SIMOES, RAFAEL P.; MARTINS, CESAR. Integrated cytogenetics and genomics analysis of transposable elements in the Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. Molecular Genetics and Genomics, v. 291, n. 3, p. 1219-1225, JUN 2016. (11/03807-7, 13/04533-3)

CARMELLO, BIANCA O.; COAN, RAFAEL L. B.; CARDOSO, ADAUTO L.; RAMOS, ERICA; FANTINATTI, BRUNO E. A.; MARQUES, DIEGO F.; OLIVEIRA, ROGERIO A.; VALENTE, GUILHERME T.; MARTINS, CESAR. The hnRNP Q-like gene is retroinserted into the B chromosomes of the cichlid fish Astatotilapia latifasciata. Chromosome Research, v. 25, n. 3-4, p. 277-290, OCT 2017. (11/03807-7, 15/16661-1, 13/04533-3)

FANTINATTI, BRUNO E. A.; MARTINS, CESAR. Development of chromosomal markers based on next-generation sequencing: the B chromosome of the cichlid fish Astatotilapia latifasciata as a model. BMC GENETICS, v. 17, AUG 18 2016. (11/03807-7, 13/04533-3)

JEHANGIR, MARYAM; AHMAD, SYED F.; CARDOSO, ADAUTO L.; RAMOS, ERICA; VALENTE, GUILHERME T.; MARTINS, CESAR. De novo genome assembly of the cichlid fish Astatotilapia latifasciata reveals a higher level of genomic polymorphism and genes related to B chromosomes. CHROMOSOMA, v. 128, n. 2, p. 81-96, JUN 2019. (14/17683-6, 11/03807-7, 15/16661-1, 13/04533-3)

VALENTE, GUILHERME T.; CONTE, MATTHEW A.; FANTINATTI, BRUNO E. A.; CABRAL-DE-MELLO, DIOGO C.; CARVALHO, ROBSON F.; VICARI, MARCELO R.; KOCHER, THOMAS D.; MARTINS, CESAR. Origin and Evolution of B Chromosomes in the Cichlid Fish Astatotilapia latifasciata Based on Integrated Genomic Analyses. Molecular Biology and Evolution, v. 31, n. 8, p. 2061-2072, AUG 2014. (11/03807-7)