Exploration of next generation sequencing data to uncover the genomic contents and origin of B chromosomes.

• Grant number: 18/03877-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate
• Start date: August 01, 2018
• End date: January 31, 2019
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Genetics - Animal Genetics
• Principal Investigator: César Martins
• Grantee: Syed Farhan Ahmad
• Supervisor: Rachel Oneill
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biociências (IBB). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Botucatu. Botucatu , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: University of Connecticut (UCONN), United States
• Associated to the scholarship: 14/16477-3 - High scale genomic analysis applied to B chromosome biology, BP.DR

Abstract

B chromosomes, (Bs) also known as supernumerary or accessory chromosomes, are additional and non-essential constituents of karyotypes. The genetic origin, evolution and composition of Bs has remained an intriguing debate. We have sequenced the complete genomes of three species including the fishes Astyanax mexicanus, Astyanax correntinus and the grasshopper Abracris flavolineata with and without Bs to identify the B-localized sequences. Here we propose a researchplan (to be developed during six months internship abroad), aimed to deeply investigate these sequences via applications of advanced genomics and bioinformatics methodologies. The analysis will comprise of steps such as comparative analysis and B chromosomal genes annotation along with the studying theirs evolutionary aspects. The development of current project will allow the identification of genes present on Bs of different species, possible biological role and their evolutionary origin. Furthermore, the internship will facilitate the PhD candidate to experience a different scientific atmosphere in one lab in USA, which will contribute a lot to his career.

Scientific publications

(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)

AHMAD, SYED F.; JEHANGIR, MARYAM; CARDOSO, ADAUTO L.; WOLF, IVAN R.; MARGARIDO, VLADIMIR P.; CABRAL-DE-MELLO, DIOGO C.; O'NEILL, RACHEL; VALENTE, GUILHERME T.; MARTINS, CESAR. B chromosomes of multiple species have intense evolutionary dynamics and accumulated genes related to important biological processes. BMC Genomics, v. 21, n. 1, SEP 23 2020. (18/03877-4, 15/16661-1, 14/16477-3)