Karyotypic changes and diversification time in Epinephelidae groupers (Perciformes). Implications on reproductive isolation.

Groupers (Epinephelidae and Serranidae) have attracted special attention to fish farming, and their species offer good opportunities for successful hybridizations. Cytogenetic data allow a better understanding of the role of karyotypic diversification in the acquisition of post-zygotic reproductive isolation (RI). Thus, chromosomal analyses were performed on E. striatus (Caribbean Sea), E. coioides and E. tauvina (Indo-Pacific Region), using standard procedures and mapping of six repetitive DNA classes by the in situ hybridization. The three species have 2n=48 chromosomes. The karyotypes of E. coioides and E. striatus are composed only of acrocentric chromosomes (FN=48), while E. tauvina has 8 submetacentric chromosomes (FN=56). Heterochromatin has a preferential centromeric distribution, and the microsatellite repeats are dispersed throughout the chromosomes of all species. The 18S and 5S rDNA sites are unique but show a colocalization arrangement in E. tauvina and E. striatus. The chromosomal organization suggests that the three species still maintain a significant amount of syntenic regions. The range of the karyotype divergence and the RI levels showed low, but goes turn proportionally greater in relation to the divergence time between the parental species. The slow acquisition of postzygotic RI is consistent with the high karyotype homogeneity presented by Epinephelidae family.

Karyotypic stasis and its implications for extensive hybridization events in corallivores species of butterflyfishes (Chaetodontidae).

The butterflyfishes (Chaetodontidae), emblematic inhabitants of coral reef environments, encompass the majority of known coralivorous species and show one of the highest hybridization rates known among vertebrates, making them an important evolutionary model. The vast knowledge about their life history and phylogenetic relationships contrasts with scarce information on their karyotype evolution. Aiming to expand the cytogenetic data of butterflyfishes and evaluate their karyotype evolution in association with evolutionary aspects, we conducted an extensive cytogenetic analysis in 20 species (Heniochus pleurotaenia and 19 Chaetodon spp.) from the Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions, comparing the karyotype macrostructure and the arrangement of the 18S and 5S rDNA repetitive DNA classes in their chromosomes. The results demonstrate that butterflyfishes underwent a period of karyotypic stasis, as evidenced by their homoploid and structurally identical basal karyotype, which has 2n = 48 acrocentric chromosomes and is shared by 90% of species. Only C. trifascialis (2n = 48; FN = 50) and C. andamanensis (2n = 48; FN = 52) stood out because they both had karyotypes that diverged due to pericentric inversions. The microstructural arrays of 18S rDNA and 5S rDNA sequences were primarily comprised by single and independent loci on homologous chromosomes, indicating that there was little reshuffling among sets of orthologue chromosomes of species. Geographical comparisons revealed similar karyotypes between individuals of C. striatus from the Greater Caribbean and those of the coast of Brazil, corroborating previous data of gene flow through Amazon/Orinoco plume. The conservative chromosomal patterns in the butterflyfishes, likely overcome the limitations related to segregation and pairing of heterospecific complements and reinforce their contribution to the high degree of hybrid viability and introgression in Chaetodon species.

Corrigendum: Evolutionary tracks of chromosomal diversification in surgeonfishes (Acanthuridae: Acanthurus) along the world's biogeographic domains.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.760244.].

Comparative cytogenetic patterns in Carangidae fishes in association with their distribution range.

Carangidae are an important and widespreaded family of pelagic predatory fishes that inhabit reef regions or open ocean areas, some species occupying a vast circumglobal distribution. Cytogenetic comparisons among representatives of its different tribes help to understand the process of karyotype divergence in marine ecosystems due to the variable migratory ability of species. In this sense, conventional cytogenetic investigations (Giemsa staining, Ag-NORs, and C-banding), GC base-specific fluorochrome staining and FISH mapping of ribosomal DNAs were performed. Four species, Elagatisbipinnulata (Quoy et Gaimard, 1825) and Seriolarivoliana (Valenciennes, 1883) (Naucratini), with circumtropical distributions, Gnathanodonspeciosus (Forsskål, 1775) (Carangini), widely distributed in the tropical and subtropical waters of the Indian and Pacific oceans, and Trachinotuscarolinus (Linnaeus, 1766) (Trachinotini), distributed along the western Atlantic Ocean, were analyzed, thus encompassing representatives of three out its four tribes. All species have diploid chromosome number 2n = 48, with karyotypes composed mainly by acrocentric chromosomes (NF = 50-56). The 18S rDNA/Ag-NORs/GC+ and 5S rDNA loci were located on chromosomes likely homeologs. Karyotypes showed a pattern considered basal for the family or with small variations in their structures, apparently due to pericentric inversions. The migratory capacity of large pelagic swimmers, in large distribution areas, likely restricts the fixation of chromosome changes in Carangidae responsible for a low level of karyotype diversification.

Evolutionary Tracks of Chromosomal Diversification in Surgeonfishes (Acanthuridae: Acanthurus) Along the World's Biogeographic Domains.

Fishes of the genus Acanthurus (Acanthuridae) are strongly related to reef environments, in a broad biogeographic context worldwide. Although their biological aspects are well known, cytogenetic information related to this genus remains incipient. In this study, Acanthurus species from populations inhabiting coastal regions of the Southwest Atlantic (SWA), South Atlantic oceanic islands (Fernando de Noronha Archipelago and Trindade Island), Greater Caribbean (GC), and Indo-Pacific Ocean (the center of the origin of the group) were analyzed to investigate their evolutionary differentiation. For this purpose, we employed conventional cytogenetic procedures and fluorescence in situ hybridization of 18S rDNA, 5S rDNA, and H3 and H2B-H2A histone sequences. The Atlantic species (A. coeruleus, A. chirurgus, and A. bahianus) did not show variations among them, despite their vast continental and insular distribution. In contrast, A. coeruleus from SWA and GC diverged from each other in the number of 18S rDNA sites, a condition likely associated with the barrier created by the outflows of the Amazonas/Orinoco rivers. The geminate species A. tractus had a cytogenetic profile similar to that of A. bahianus. However, the chromosomal macrostructures and the distribution of rDNA and hisDNA sequences revealed moderate to higher rates of diversification when Acanthurus species from recently colonized areas (Atlantic Ocean) were compared to A. triostegus, a representative species from the Indian Ocean. Our cytogenetic data covered all Acanthurus species from the Western Atlantic, tracked phylogenetic diversification throughout the dispersive process of the genus, and highlighted the probable diversifying role of ocean barriers in this process.

A new view on the scenario of karyotypic stasis in Epinephelidae fish: Cytogenetic, historical, and biogeographic approaches.

Epinephelidae (groupers) is an astonishingly diverse group of carnivorous fish widely distributed in reef environments around the world, with growing economic importance. The first chromosomal inferences suggested a conservative scenario for the family. However, to date, this has not been validated using biogeographic and phylogenetic approaches. Thus, to estimate karyotype diversification among groupers, eight species from the Atlantic and Indian oceans were investigated using conventional cytogenetic protocols and fluorescence in situ hybridization of repetitive sequences (rDNA, microsatellites, transposable elements). Despite the remarkable persistence of some symplesiomorphic karyotype patterns, such as all species sharing 2n=48 and most preserve a basal karyotype (2n=48 acrocentrics), the chromosomal diversification in the family revealed an unsuspected evolutionary dynamic, where about 40% of the species escape from the ancestral karyotype pattern. These karyotype changes showed a relation with the historical biogeography, likely as a byproduct of the progressive occupancy of new areas (huge diversity of adaptive and speciation conditions). In this context, oceanic regions harboring more recent clades such as those of the Indo-Pacific, exhibited a higher karyotype diversity. Therefore, the karyotype evolution of Epinephelidae fits well with the expansion and geographic contingencies of its clades, providing a more complex and diverse scenario than previously assumed.

Reforma trabalhista e relações de trabalho no Brasil: por quem os sinos dobram? / Labor reform and labor relations in Brazil: for whom do the bells toll?

As reformas trabalhistas de 2017 são a mais abrangente alteração sofrida pela CLT desde seu lançamento. Este artigo compara as novas leis e o posicionamento sobre o tema por parte da CNI e do DIEESE, entidades que representam dois dos grupos sociais mais afetados: patrões industriais e trabalhadores. A partir do referencial da economia neoclássica e dos estudos de Dunlop sobre Sistemas de Relações Industriais, demonstra-se que a reforma atende diretamente aos interesses patronais, em detrimento dos pontos de vista colocados pela entidade dos trabalhadores, refletindo uma correlação de forças muito desfavorável a estes últimos, e lançando dúvidas sobre a capacidade explicativa dos sistemas "equilibrados" de Dunlop. O método consiste em apresentar as alterações na legislação, contrastando-as com o posicionamento das entidades. Verifica-se 100% de convergência entre as novas leis e a visão da CNI, com ampla rejeição por parte do DIEESE, o que indica a lógica por trás das reformas: a recomendação (neoclássica) de flexibilização do mercado de trabalho, argumento caro ao patronato, mas problematizado por vários estudos acadêmicos na área das relações de trabalho.

2017 labor reforms are the most far-reaching change Brazilian Labor Laws (CLT) has undergone since its launch. This article compares the new laws and the position on the subject by the CNI and DIEESE, entities which represent two of the most affected social groups: industrial bosses and workers. Based on the framework of neoclassical economics and Dunlop's studies on Industrial Relations Systems, it is demonstrated that the reform directly serves the employers' interests, to the detriment of points of view put forward by the workers' entity, reflecting a very unfavourable correlation of forces to the latter, and casting doubt on the explanatory power of Dunlop's "balanced" systems. The method consists of presenting changes in the legislation, contrasting them with the entities' positions. There is 100% convergence between the new laws and CNI's view on the matter, with broad rejection by DIEESE, which indicates the logic behind the reforms: the (neoclassical) recommendation for flexibility in the labor market, an argument that is dear to the bosses, but problematized by several academic studies in work relations field.

High chromosomal evolutionary dynamics in sleeper gobies (Eleotridae) and notes on disruptive biological factors in Gobiiformes karyotypes (Osteichthyes, Teleostei).

The order Gobiiformes is made up of more than 2200 species, representing one of the most diverse groups among teleost fishes. The biological causes for the tachytelic karyotype evolution of the gobies have not yet been fully studied. Here we expanded cytogenetic data for the Eleotridae family, analyzing the neotropical species Dormitator maculatus, Eleotris pisonis, Erotelis smaragdus, and Guavina guavina. In addition, a meta-analytical approach was followed for elucidating the karyotype diversification versus biological aspects (habitat and egg type) of the Gobiiformes. The species E. smaragdus and E. pisonis present 2n = 46 acrocentric chromosomes (NF = 46), D. maculatus 2n = 46 (36sm + 4st + 6a; NF = 86), and G. guavina, the most divergent karyotype, with 2n = 52 acrocentric chromosomes (NF = 52). Besides numeric and structural diversification in the karyotypes, the mapping of rDNAs and microsatellites also showed noticeable numerical and positional variation, supporting the high chromosomal evolutionary dynamism of these species. In Gobiiformes, karyotype patterns which are more divergent from the basal karyotype (2n = 46a) are associated with characteristics less effective to dispersion, such as the benthic habit. These adaptive characteristics, connected with the organization of the repetitive DNA content in the chromosomes, likely play a synergistic role in the remarkable karyotype diversification of this group.

Molecular cytogenetics insights in two pelagic big-game fishes in the Atlantic, the tarpon, Megalops atlanticus (Elopiformes: Megalopidae), and the sailfish, Istiophorus platypterus (Istiophoriformes: Istiophoridae)

Some pelagic and usually large sized fishes are preferential targets for sport and commercial fishing. Despite their economic importance, cytogenetic data on their evolutionary processes and management are very deficient, especially due to logistical difficulties. Here, information for two of such charismatic species, the tarpon, Megalops atlanticus (Elopiformes: Megalopidae), and the sailfish, Istiophorus platypterus (Istiophoriformes: Istiophoridae), both with a wide Atlantic distribution, were provided. Cytogenetic data were obtained using conventional methods (Giemsa staining, Ag-NORs technique, and C-banding), base-specific fluorochrome staining and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with rDNA probes. Megalops atlanticus has 2n = 50 chromosomes, all acrocentric ones (NF = 50), while Istiophorus platypterus has 2n = 48 chromosomes, 2m + 2st + 44a (NF = 52). Megalops atlanticus populations from the South Atlantic and Caribbean share identical karyotypic patterns, likely associated with gene flow between them. In turn, I. platypterus presents karyotype similarities with phylogenetically close groups, such as Carangidae. The chromosomal characteristics of these species highlight their independent evolutionary paths. Additionally, the current data contribute to knowledge of new aspects of pelagic fish fauna and will support further comparative studies with congeneric species, clarifying evolutionary karyotype trends of these fish groups.(AU)

Alguns peixes pelágicos de grande porte são alvos preferenciais para a pesca esportiva e comercial. Apesar de sua importância econômica, os dados citogenéticos sobre seus processos evolutivos e de manejo são muito deficientes, principalmente devido às dificuldades logísticas. Aqui são apresentadas informações cromossômicas de duas espécies carismáticas, o tarpão, Megalops atlanticus (Elopiformes: Megalopidae), e o agulhão-vela, Istiophorus platypterus (Istiophoriformes: Istiophoridae), ambos com ampla distribuição no oceano Atlântico. Os dados citogenéticos foram obtidos usando métodos convencionais (coloração em Giemsa, técnica de Ag-NORs e bandamento C), coloração com fluorocromos específicos e hibridização fluorescente in situ (FISH) com sondas DNAr. Megalops atlanticus possui 2n = 50 cromossomos, todos acrocêntricos (NF = 50), enquanto Istiophorus platypterus possui 2n = 48 cromossomos, 2m + 2st + 44a (NF = 52). Populações de M. atlanticus do Atlântico Sul e Caribe compartilham padrões cariotípicos idênticos, provavelmente associados ao fluxo gênico entre regiões. Por sua vez, I. platypterus apresenta semelhanças cariotípicas micro e macroestruturais com grupos filogeneticamente próximos, como Carangidae. As características cromossômicas destas espécies destacam seus caminhos evolutivos independentes. Adicionalmente, os dados apresentados contribuem com novos aspectos da fauna pelágica e apoiarão futuros estudos comparativos com espécies congenéricas, esclarecendo as tendências evolutivas do cariótipo destes grupos de peixes.(AU)

Comparative chromosomal mapping of microsatellite repeats reveals divergent patterns of accumulation in 12 Siluridae (Teleostei: Siluriformes) species.

The freshwater family Siluridae occurs in Eurasia and is especially speciose in South and Southeast Asia, representing an important aquaculture and fishery targets. However, despite the restricted cytogenetic data, a high diploid number variation (from 2n=40 to 92) characterizes this fish group. Considering the large genomic divergence among its species, silurid genomes have experienced an enormous diversification throughout their evolutionary history. Here, we aim to investigate the chromosomal distribution of several microsatellite repeats in 12 Siluridae species and infer about their possible roles in the karyotype evolution that occurred in this group. Our results indicate divergent patterns of microsatellite distribution and accumulation among the analyzed species. Indeed, they are especially present in significant chromosome locations, such as the centromeric and telomeric regions, precisely the ones associated with several kinds of chromosomal rearrangements. Our data provide pieces of evidence that repetitive DNAs played a direct role in fostering the chromosomal differentiation and biodiversity in this fish family.

Molecular Cytogenetic Analysis in Freshwater Prawns of the Genus Macrobrachium (Crustacea: Decapoda: Palaemonidae).

Freshwater prawns of the genus Macrobrachium are one of the important components of circumtropical marine, estuarine, and freshwater environments. They have been extensively exploited for human consumption for many years. More than 250 species reflect the evolutionary success of this highly diversified group, with a complex and challenging taxonomy due to morphological variations and vast geographical distribution. Although genetic approaches have been used to clarify phylogenetic and taxonomic aspects of Macrobrachium species, cytogenetic information is still very scarce and mostly focused on chromosome number and morphology. Here, we present chromosome data for three species from the Neotropical region, M. carcinus, M. acanthurus, and M. amazonicum, and one species from the Oriental region, M. rosenbergii. Using conventional cytogenetic approaches and chromosome mapping of repetitive DNAs by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), we identified numerical diversification of the diploid set, within and between both zoogeographic regions. These included M. acanthurus and M. amazonicum sharing diploid chromosomes of 98, while M. carcinus has 94, and M. rosenbergii has 118 chromosomes. Argentophilic sites are also variable in number, but they occur in a much higher number than 18S rDNA, representing two to 10 sites within the study species. Microsatellites repeat motifs are also abundant in the chromosomes, with a co-localization and uniform distribution along the chromosome arms, but completely absent in the AT-rich centromeric regions. As a whole, our study suggests that the 2n divergence was followed by a considerable rDNA diversification. The abundance of the exceptional amount of microsatellite sequences in the chromosomes also suggests that they are essential components of the Macrobrachium genome and, therefore, maintained as a shared feature by the species, the reason for which is yet unknown.

Deciphering the Evolutionary History of Arowana Fishes (Teleostei, Osteoglossiformes, Osteoglossidae): Insight from Comparative Cytogenomics.

Arowanas (Osteoglossinae) are charismatic freshwater fishes with six species and two genera (Osteoglossum and Scleropages) distributed in South America, Asia, and Australia. In an attempt to provide a better assessment of the processes shaping their evolution, we employed a set of cytogenetic and genomic approaches, including i) molecular cytogenetic analyses using C- and CMA3/DAPI staining, repetitive DNA mapping, comparative genomic hybridization (CGH), and Zoo-FISH, along with ii) the genotypic analyses of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) generated by diversity array technology sequencing (DArTseq). We observed diploid chromosome numbers of 2n = 56 and 54 in O. bicirrhosum and O. ferreirai, respectively, and 2n = 50 in S. formosus, while S. jardinii and S. leichardti presented 2n = 48 and 44, respectively. A time-calibrated phylogenetic tree revealed that Osteoglossum and Scleropages divergence occurred approximately 50 million years ago (MYA), at the time of the final separation of Australia and South America (with Antarctica). Asian S. formosus and Australian Scleropages diverged about 35.5 MYA, substantially after the latest terrestrial connection between Australia and Southeast Asia through the Indian plate movement. Our combined data provided a comprehensive perspective of the cytogenomic diversity and evolution of arowana species on a timescale.

Extensive Chromosomal Reorganization in Apistogramma Fishes (Cichlidae, Cichlinae) Fits the Complex Evolutionary Diversification of the Genus.

Neotropical cichlid fishes are one of the most diversified and evolutionarily successful species assemblages. Extremely similar forms and intraspecific polychromatism present challenges for the taxonomy of some of these groups. Several species complexes have a largely unknown origin and unresolved evolutionary processes. Dwarf cichlids of the genus Apistogramma, comprising more than a hundred species, exhibit intricate taxonomic and biogeographic patterns, with both allopatric and sympatric distributions. However, karyotype evolution and the role of chromosomal changes in Apistogramma are still unknown. In the present study, nine South American Apistogramma species were analyzed using conventional cytogenetic methods and the mapping of repetitive DNA sequences [18S rDNA, 5S rDNA, and (TTAGGG)n] by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Our results showed that Apistogramma has unique cytogenetic characteristics in relation to closely related groups, such as a reduced 2n and a large number of bi-armed chromosomes. Interspecific patterns revealed a scenario of remarkable karyotypic changes, including a reduction of 2n, the occurrence of B-chromosomes and evolutionary dynamic of rDNA tandem repeats. In addition to the well-known pre-zygotic reproductive isolation, the karyotype reorganization in the genus suggests that chromosomal changes could act as postzygotic barriers in areas where Apistogramma congeners overlap.

Genomic Organization of Repetitive DNA Elements and Extensive Karyotype Diversity of Silurid Catfishes (Teleostei: Siluriformes): A Comparative Cytogenetic Approach.

The catfish family Siluridae contains 107 described species distributed in Asia, but with some distributed in Europe. In this study, karyotypes and other chromosomal characteristics of 15 species from eight genera were examined using conventional and molecular cytogenetic protocols. Our results showed the diploid number (2n) to be highly divergent among species, ranging from 2n = 40 to 92, with the modal frequency comprising 56 to 64 chromosomes. Accordingly, the ratio of uni- and bi-armed chromosomes is also highly variable, thus suggesting extensive chromosomal rearrangements. Only one chromosome pair bearing major rDNA sites occurs in most species, except for Wallago micropogon, Ompok siluroides, and Kryptoterus giminus with two; and Silurichthys phaiosoma with five such pairs. In contrast, chromosomes bearing 5S rDNA sites range from one to as high as nine pairs among the species. Comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) experiments evidenced large genomic divergence, even between congeneric species. As a whole, we conclude that karyotype features and chromosomal diversity of the silurid catfishes are unusually extensive, but parallel some other catfish lineages and primary freshwater fish groups, thus making silurids an important model for investigating the evolutionary dynamics of fish chromosomes.

Paracentric Inversions Differentiate the Conservative Karyotypes in Two Centropomus Species (Teleostei: Centropomidae).

Centropomus is the sole genus of the Centropomidae family (Teleostei), comprising 12 species widely distributed throughout the Western Atlantic and Eastern Pacific, with 6 of them occurring in the Western Atlantic in extensive sympatry. Their life history and phylogenetic relationships are well characterized; however, aspects of chromosomal evolution are still unknown. Here, cytogenetic analyses of 2 Centropomus species of great economic value (C. undecimalis and C. mexicanus) were performed using conventional (Giemsa, Ag-NOR, and fluorochrome staining, C- and replication banding) and molecular (chromosomal mapping of 18S and 5S rDNA, H2A-H2B and H3 hisDNA, and (TTAGGG)n repeats) approaches. The karyotypes of both species were composed of 48 solely acrocentric chromosomes (2n = 48; FN = 48), but the single ribosomal site was located in varying positions in the long arms of the second largest chromosome pair. Replication bands were generally similar, although conspicuous differences were observed in some chromosome regions. In both species, the histone H3 genes were located on 3 apparently homeologous chromosome pairs, but the exact position of these clusters differed slightly. Interspecific hisDNA and rDNA site displacements can indicate the occurrence of multiple paracentric inversions during the evolutionary diversification of the Centropomus genomes. Although the karyotypes remained similar in both species, our data demonstrate an unsuspected microstructural reorganization between them, driven most likely by a series of paracentric inversions.

Emerging patterns of genome organization in Notopteridae species (Teleostei, Osteoglossiformes) as revealed by Zoo-FISH and Comparative Genomic Hybridization (CGH).

Notopteridae (Teleostei, Osteoglossiformes) represents an old fish lineage with ten currently recognized species distributed in African and Southeastern Asian rivers. Their karyotype structures and diploid numbers remained conserved over long evolutionary periods, since African and Asian lineages diverged approximately 120 Mya. However, a significant genetic diversity was already identified for these species using molecular data. Thus, why the evolutionary relationships within Notopteridae are so diverse at the genomic level but so conserved in terms of their karyotypes? In an attempt to develop a more comprehensive picture of the karyotype and genome evolution in Notopteridae, we performed comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) and cross-species (Zoo-FISH) whole chromosome painting experiments to explore chromosome-scale intergenomic divergence among seven notopterid species, collected in different African and Southeast Asian river basins. CGH demonstrated an advanced stage of sequence divergence among the species and Zoo-FISH experiments showed diffuse and limited homology on inter-generic level, showing a temporal reduction of evolutionarily conserved syntenic regions. The sharing of a conserved chromosomal region revealed by Zoo-FISH in these species provides perspectives that several other homologous syntenic regions have remained conserved among their genomes despite long temporal isolation. In summary, Notopteridae is an interesting model for tracking the chromosome evolution as it is (i) ancestral vertebrate group with Gondwanan distribution and (ii) an example of animal group exhibiting karyotype stasis. The present study brings new insights into degree of genome divergence vs. conservation at chromosomal and sub-chromosomal level in representative sampling of this group.

Differential hypomethylation of the repetitive Tol2/Alu-rich sequences in the genome of Bodianus species (Labriformes, Labridae).

Representatives of the order Labriformes show karyotypes of extreme conservatism together with others with high chromosomal diversification. However, the cytological characterization of epigenetic modifications remains unknown for the majority of the species. In the family Labridae, the most abundant fishes on tropical reefs, the genomes of the genus Bodianus Bloch, 1790 have been characterized by the occurrence of a peculiar chromosomal region, here denominated BOD. This region is exceptionally decondensed, heterochromatic, argentophilic, GC-neutral and, in contrast to classical secondary constrictions, shows no signals of hybridization with 18S rDNA probes. In order to characterize the BOD region, the methylation pattern, the distribution of Alu and Tol2 retrotransposons and of 18S and 5S rDNA sites, respectively, were analyzed by Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH) on metaphase chromosomes of two Bodianus species, B. insularis Gomon & Lubbock, 1980 and B. pulchellus (Poey, 1860). Immunolocalization of the 5-methylcytosine revealed hypermethylated chromosomal regions, dispersed along the entire length of the chromosomes of both species, while the BOD regions exhibited a hypomethylated pattern. Hypomethylation of the BOD region is associated with the precise co-location of Tol2 and Alu elements, suggesting their active participation in the regulatory epigenetic process. This evidence underscores a probable differential methylation action during the cell cycle, as well as the role of Tol2/Alu elements in functional processes of fish genomes.

Contrasting Evolutionary Paths Among Indo-Pacific Pomacentrus Species Promoted by Extensive Pericentric Inversions and Genome Organization of Repetitive Sequences.

Pomacentrus (damselfishes) is one of the most characteristic groups of fishes in the Indo-Pacific coral reef. Its 77 described species exhibit a complex taxonomy with cryptic lineages across their extensive distribution. Periods of evolutionary divergences between them are very variable, and the cytogenetic events that followed their evolutionary diversification are largely unknown. In this respect, analyses of chromosomal divergence, within a phylogenetic perspective, are particularly informative regarding karyoevolutionary trends. As such, we conducted conventional cytogenetic and cytogenomic analyses in four Pomacentrus species (Pomacentrus similis, Pomacentrus auriventris, Pomacentrus moluccensis, and Pomacentrus cuneatus), through the mapping of repetitive DNA classes and transposable elements, including 18S rDNA, 5S rDNA, (CA)15, (GA)15, (CAA)10, Rex6, and U2 snDNA as markers. P. auriventris and P. similis, belonging to the Pomacentrus coelestis complex, have indistinguishable karyotypes (2n = 48; NF = 48), with a peculiar syntenic organization of ribosomal genes. On the other hand, P. moluccensis and P. cuneatus, belonging to another clade, exhibit very different karyotypes (2n = 48, NF = 86 and 92, respectively), with a large number of bi-armed chromosomes, where multiple pericentric inversions played a significant role in their karyotype organization. In this sense, different chromosomal pathways followed the phyletic diversification in the Pomacentrus genus, making possible the characterization of two well-contrasting species groups regarding their karyotype features. Despite this, pericentric inversions act as an effective postzygotic barrier in many organisms, which appear to be also the case for P. moluccensis and P. cuneatus; the extensive chromosomal similarities in the two species of P. coelestis complex suggest minor participation of chromosomal postzygotic barriers in the phyletic diversification of these species.

Comparative cytogenetics in three Sciaenid species (Teleostei, Perciformes): evidence of interspecific chromosomal diversification.

BACKGROUND: Species belonging to the Sciaenidae family present a karyotype composed by 48 acrocentric chromosomes and are thus considered a striking example of chromosomal conservation. In this family, three species are extensively studied including Larimichthys crocea, Larimichthys polyactis and Nibea albiflora due to their importance in fishery and aquaculture in East Asia. Despite abundant data of population genetics available for some of them, cytogenetic information on these species is still scarce and obtained by conventional cytogenetic protocols. Therefore, a more detailed cytogenomic investigation was performed in these species to analyze their karyotype differentiation using conventional staining techniques and fluorescence in situ hybridization to map several repetitive DNAs. RESULTS: The three species showed a slight karyotype differentiation with 4sm + 2st + 42a in L. polyactis, 20st + 28a in L. crocea and 48a in N. albiflora. Additionally, the mapping of repetitive sequences further revealed a number of interspecific differences among them. Particularly, 18S and 5S rDNA sites showed syntenic arrangements in N. albiflora and non-syntenic arrangements in both Larimichthys species. The microsatellites (CA)15 and (GA)15 showed conspicuous terminal clusters in some chromosomes of all species. On the other hand, (CGG)10 repeats, Rex6 elements and U2 snRNA displayed a scattered distribution on the chromosomes. CONCLUSIONS: Although the three Sciaenid species examined displayed a general pattern of karyotypic conservatism, we explored chromosomal diversification among them. The diversificated karyotypic macrostructure is followed by intergeneric evolutionary diversification of the repetitive sequences. The data indicate some degree of intergeneric evolutionary diversification at chromosomal level, and suggest the evolutionary dynamics among Sciaenid species, higher than previously thought. The present cytogenetic data provide new insight into the chromosomal diversification in Sciaenidae, and contribute to inferring the chromosomal rearrangements and trends of karyotype evolution in this fish group.

Chromosomal Evolution and Cytotaxonomy in Wrasses (Perciformes; Labridae).

The wrasses (family Labridae) represent a suitable model to understand chromosomal evolution and to test the efficacy of cytotaxonomy since they display a remarkable karyotypic variation, rarely reported in marine Perciformes, as well as a high number of species and complex systematics. Therefore, we provided new chromosomal data in 5 labrids from South Atlantic (Doratonotus megalepis, Halichoeres dimidiatus, Halichoeres penrosei, Thalassoma noronhanum, and Xyrichtys novacula) and carried out a detailed comparative analysis of karyotypic data in Labridae using multivariate approaches. Basal diploid values (2n = 48) were observed in most of species studied in the present work but D. megalepis (2n = 46), along with distinct karyotype formulae. Single 18S rDNA sites interspersed with GC-rich heterochromatin were also commonly reported except for both Halichoeres species (2 18S rDNA-bearing pairs), following a species-specific pattern. These data show the high rates of chromosomal evolution in wrasses, ranging from microstructural rearrangements to centric fusions. A revision of chromosomal data in Labridae based on multivariate analysis of 74 taxa allowed inferring karyoevolutionary trends within tribes and genera of wrasses. The dendrogram obtained was in agreement with recent systematic hypotheses. In spite of the independent occurrence of some chromosomal rearrangements, karyoevolutionary trends could be identified within tribes of Labridae. Moreover, the karyotypic features are also suitable as cytotaxonomic markers of wrasses.