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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

The hnRNP Q-like gene is retroinserted into the B chromosomes of the cichlid fish Astatotilapia latifasciata

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Author(s):
Carmello, Bianca O. [1] ; Coan, Rafael L. B. [1] ; Cardoso, Adauto L. [1] ; Ramos, Erica [1] ; Fantinatti, Bruno E. A. [1] ; Marques, Diego F. [1] ; Oliveira, Rogerio A. [2] ; Valente, Guilherme T. [3] ; Martins, Cesar [1]
Total Authors: 9
Affiliation:
[1] Sao Paulo State Univ UNESP, Inst Biosci, Dept Morphol, BR-18618689 Botucatu, SP - Brazil
[2] Sao Paulo State Univ UNESP, Inst Biosci, Dept Biostat, BR-18618689 Botucatu, SP - Brazil
[3] Sao Paulo State Univ UNESP, Inst Biosci, Agron Sci Sch, Dept Bioproc & Biotechnol, BR-18610307 Botucatu, SP - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 3
Document type: Journal article
Source: Chromosome Research; v. 25, n. 3-4, p. 277-290, OCT 2017.
Web of Science Citations: 4
Abstract

B chromosomes are dispensable elements observed in many eukaryotic species, including the African cichlid Astatotilapia latifasciata, which might have one or two B chromosomes. Although there have been many studies focused on the biology of these chromosomes, questions about the evolution, maintenance, and potential effects of these chromosomes remain. Here, we identified a variant form of the hnRNP Q-like gene inserted into the B chromosome of A. latifasciata that is characterized by a high copy number and intron-less structure. The absence of introns and presence of transposable elements with a reverse transcriptase domain flanking hnRNP Q-like sequences suggest that this gene was retroinserted into the B chromosome. RNA-Seq analysis did not show that the B variant retroinserted copies are transcriptionally active. However, RT-qPCR results showed variations in the canonical hnRNP Q-like copy expression levels among exons, tissues, sex, and B presence/absence. Although the patterns of transcription are not well understood, the exons of the B retrocopies were overexpressed, and a bias for female B+ expression was also observed. These results suggest that retroinsertion is an additional and important mechanism contributing to B chromosome formation. Furthermore, these findings indicate a bias towards female differential expression of B chromosome sequences, suggesting that B chromosomes and sex determination are somehow associated in cichlids. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 11/03807-7 - Integrating cytogenetics and genomics in understanding B chromosomes structure and evolution using the cichlid fish Haplochromis obliquidens as a model
Grantee:César Martins
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
FAPESP's process: 15/16661-1 - Sex and B chromosome enigmas: model systems for the study of chromosome and genome evolution
Grantee:César Martins
Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
FAPESP's process: 13/04533-3 - Functional analysis of B chromosomes: the cichlid fish Astatotilapia latifasciata as model
Grantee:César Martins
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants