Conventional Cytogenetic Approaches-Useful and Indispensable Tools in Discovering Fish Biodiversity

Author(s)

Cioffi, Marcelo de Bello ; Moreira-Filho, Orlando ; Rab, Petr ; Sember, Alexandr ; Molina, Wagner Franco ; Carlos Bertollo, Luiz Antonio

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: CURRENT GENETIC MEDICINE REPORTS; v. 6, n. 4, p. 11-pg., 2018-12-01.

Abstract

Purpose of ReviewFishes exhibit the greatest biodiversity among extant vertebrates. In fact, about 34,000 fish species are currently estimated, of which similar to 25% are living in Neotropical freshwaters. Currently, several leading-edge studies using molecular biology procedures have largely contributed to the investigation of the fish genomic architecture at the chromosomal level. In this review, we intend to demonstrate that conventional cytogenetics is also a powerful procedure to identify and clarify both individual and inter- or intrapopulational fish characteristics and to unveil their biodiversity.Recent FindingsIntra- or interpopulational chromosomal characteristics, revealing dramatic processes of evolution and cryptic divergence and even speciation, as well as unusual cases of interspecific hybridization, clonal reproduction, and sex chromosome differentiation, were, and still are, unmistakably discovered among fishes by using conventional, i.e., non-molecular cytogenetic procedures.SummaryIn this review, we aim to demonstrate that conventional cytogenetics constitutes a powerful and indispensable tool in characterizing the hidden biodiversity of the ichthyofauna. We focus on some key examples that clearly illustrate the importance and the efficiency of this approach. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 16/22196-2 - An intercontinental approach of the chromosomal evolution in the order Osteoglossiformes (Teleostei: Osteoglossomorpha). Parte II
• Grantee: Marcelo de Bello Cioffi
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 16/21411-7 - Karyotype and Sex Chromosomes Evolution in Neotropical Fishes. Part II.
• Grantee: Luiz Antonio Carlos Bertollo
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants