Cytogenomic Characterization of Transposable Elements and Satellite DNA in Passiflora L. Species.

The species Passiflora alata, P. cincinnata, and P. edulis have great economic value due to the use of their fruits for human consumption. In this study, we compared the repetitive genome fractions of these three species. The compositions of the repetitive DNA of these three species' genomes were analyzed using clustering and identification of the repetitive sequences with RepeatExplorer. It was found that repetitive DNA content represents 74.70%, 66.86%, and 62.24% of the genome of P. alata, P. edulis, and P. cincinnata, respectively. LTR Ty3/Gypsy retrotransposons represent the highest genome proportions in P. alata and P. edulis, while Ty1/Copia comprises the largest proportion of P. cincinnata genome. Chromosomal mapping by Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization (FISH) showed that LTR retrotransposons have a dispersed distribution along chromosomes. The subtelomeric region of chromosomes is where 145 bp satellite DNA is located, suggesting that these elements may play important roles in genome structure and organization in these species. In this work, we obtained the first global characterization of the composition of repetitive DNA in Passiflora, showing that an increase in genome size is related to an increase in repetitive DNA, which represents an important evolutionary route for these species.

Karyotyping of commercial cultivars of melon (Cucumis melo L.).

BACKGROUND: This study on cultivars of melon (Cucumis melo L.) marketed in Brazil was conducted to obtain information to be used in breeding programs of this species. Little is known about the karyotype variability among C. melo L. cultivars targeted at the consumer market. The objective of the present study was to verify the karyotype variability in eight commercial melon cultivars used in the Brazilian market. METHODS AND RESULTS: Slides were stained with 2% Giemsa and assembled with Neomount to perform chromosomal morphometry. GC-rich heterochromatin was observed by CMA3/DAPI staining. 5 S rDNA, centromeric satellite DNA (SatDNA), and telomeric sites were visualized using fluorescence in situ hybridization. All images were captured on an Olympus BX41 microscope equipped with a 5 M Olympus DP25 digital camera and DP2-BSW software. The cultivars showed symmetrical karyotypes with significant differences in total chromosome length and average chromosome size. Heterochromatic CMA3+ blocks were observed in terminal regions related to satellites (secondary constrictions), as well as in centromeric and pericentromeric regions. A single chromosomal pair of 5 S rDNA sites was observed in all cultivars, but at distinct locations. Centromeric satellite sequences, tested for the first time in melon, revealed only centromeric sites. Telomeric sites were observed in all the chromosomes of the cultivars. CONCLUSIONS: Karyotype variation was observed in cultivars of melon, which were analyzed for chromosomal morphology and localization of GC-rich heterochromatin, as well centromeric SatDNA, rDNA, and telomeric chromosomal markers. Hence, these cultivars can be used in future breeding programs.

Identification of 45S rDNA in Passiflora using low coverage sequencing: analysis of GC content and chromosomal localization.

BACKGROUND: The 45S rDNA is considered the most useful chromosomal marker for cytogenetic analysis of Passiflora. Amplification of 45S rDNA sequence via PCR are more advantageous than sequence maintenance in vectors for chromosomal hybridization via FISH. We aimed both to identify 45S rDNA by sequencing data for chromosomal localization and to verify the relationship between GC content and CMA3/DAPI banding. METHODS AND RESULTS: Low-coverage sequencing of Passiflora alata, P. cincinnata, and P. edulis was performed, and 45S rDNA units were identified using RepeatExplorer. The 45S rDNA units were used to construct a neighbor-joining tree to verify the similarities between the three species' 18S and 26S rDNA sequences. Clusters (CL)116 (P. alata), CL71 (P. cincinnata), and CL116 (P. edulis) were remarkably similar among the three species, and the 26S rDNA sequences of the clusters were similar to those of Populus tremuloides, Salix interior, and Averrhoa carambola (98% identity). The 26S rDNA was cytologically localized in the chromosomes of P. edulis, P. bahiensis, and the backcrossed hybrid (P. sublanceolata vs. HD13). The hybridization transfer capacity was evaluated in Citrus sunki and Cucumis melo. Finally, a chromosomal pair with a heteromorphic 26S rDNA site was observed in P. edulis, which was the same to that observed for CMA3. CONCLUSION: The amplification of the 26S rDNA in Passiflora via PCR and the chromosomal localization in Passiflora and other plant species was successfully achieved. The CMA3 bands were found to be related not only to the amount of GC but also to its structure and the number of repetitions.

Correction to: low coverage sequencing for repetitive DNA analysis in Passiflora edulis Sims: citogenomic characterization of transposable elements and satellite DNA.

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Low coverage sequencing for repetitive DNA analysis in Passiflora edulis Sims: citogenomic characterization of transposable elements and satellite DNA.

BACKGROUND: The cytogenomic study of repetitive regions is fundamental for the understanding of morphofunctional mechanisms and genome evolution. Passiflora edulis a species of relevant agronomic value, this work had its genome sequenced by next generation sequencing and bioinformatics analysis performed by RepeatExplorer pipeline. The clusters allowed the identification and characterization of repetitive elements (predominant contributors to most plant genomes). The aim of this study was to identify, characterize and map the repetitive DNA of P. edulis, providing important cytogenomic markers, especially sequences associated with the centromere. RESULTS: Three clusters of satellite DNAs (69, 118 and 207) and seven clusters of Long Terminal Repeat (LTR) retrotransposons of the superfamilies Ty1/Copy and Ty3/Gypsy and families Angela, Athila, Chromovirus and Maximus-Sire (6, 11, 36, 43, 86, 94 and 135) were characterized and analyzed. The chromosome mapping of satellite DNAs showed two hybridization sites co-located in the 5S rDNA region (PeSat_1), subterminal hybridizations (PeSat_3) and hybridization in four sites, co-located in the 45S rDNA region (PeSat_2). Most of the retroelements hybridizations showed signals scattered in the chromosomes, diverging in abundance, and only the cluster 6 presented pericentromeric regions marking. No satellite DNAs and retroelement associated with centromere was observed. CONCLUSION: P. edulis has a highly repetitive genome, with the predominance of Ty3/Gypsy LTR retrotransposon. The satellite DNAs and LTR retrotransposon characterized are promising markers for investigation of the evolutionary patterns and genetic distinction of species and hybrids of Passiflora.

Identification and characterization of karyotype in Passiflora hybrids using FISH and GISH.

BACKGROUND: A great interest exists in the production of hybrid plants of the genus Passiflora given the beauty and exotic features of its flowers which have ornamental value. Hybrid paternity confirmation is therefore important for assuring germplasm origin, and is typically carried out by molecular marker segregation. The aim of this study was to karyotypically characterize the chromosome heritance patterns of the progeny resultant from a cross of P. gardneri and P. gibertii using classical cytogenetics, chromosome banding, and molecular cytogenetics. RESULTS: All analyzed genotypes showed the same diploid chromosome number as the genitor species: 2n = 18. Classical and CMA3 and DAPI staining allowed for chromosome counting and satellite identification (secondary constrictions). Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and genomic in situ hybridization (GISH) were used to characterize subgenomes by either identifying rDNA-specific genome patterns or parental genomes, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The heritance of chromosomal markers presenting rDNA sites from each parent for genome identification confirmed that all obtained plants were hybrids. These results will improve breeding programs involving the species of this genus. Apart from confirming hybridization, GISH allowed the visualization of recombination between the homeologous chromosome and the introgression of sequences of interest.