Chromosome Evolution of the Liolaemus monticola (Liolaemidae) Complex: Chromosomal and Molecular Aspects.

Chromosomal rearrangements can directly influence population differentiation and speciation. The Liolaemus monticola complex in Chile is a unique model consisting of several chromosome races arranged in a latitudinal sequence of increasing karyotype complexity from south to north. Here, we compared chromosomal and mitochondrial cytochrome b data from 15 localities across the northern geographic distribution of L. monticola. We expanded the distribution of the previously described Multiple Fissions race (re-described as MF2), in the Coastal range between the Aconcagua River and the Petorca River, and described a new Multiple Fissions 1 (MF1) race in the Andean range. Both races present centric fissions in pairs 1 and 2, as well as a pericentric inversion in one fission product of pair 2 that changes the NOR position. Additionally, we detected a new chromosomal race north of the Petorca River, the Northern Modified 2 (NM2) race, which is polymorphic for novel centric fissions in pairs 3 and 4. Our results increase the number of chromosomal races in L. monticola to seven, suggesting a complex evolutionary history of chromosomal rearrangements, population isolation by barriers, and hybridization. These results show the relevant role of chromosome mutations in evolution, especially for highly speciose groups such as Liolaemus lizards.

Chromosomal polymorphism in mammals: an evolutionary perspective.

Although chromosome rearrangements (CRs) are central to studies of genome evolution, our understanding of the evolutionary consequences of the early stages of karyotypic differentiation (i.e. polymorphism), especially the non-meiotic impacts, is surprisingly limited. We review the available data on chromosomal polymorphisms in mammals so as to identify taxa that hold promise for developing a more comprehensive understanding of chromosomal change. In doing so, we address several key questions: (i) to what extent are mammalian karyotypes polymorphic, and what types of rearrangements are principally involved? (ii) Are some mammalian lineages more prone to chromosomal polymorphism than others? More specifically, do (karyotypically) polymorphic mammalian species belong to lineages that are also characterized by past, extensive karyotype repatterning? (iii) How long can chromosomal polymorphisms persist in mammals? We discuss the evolutionary implications of these questions and propose several research avenues that may shed light on the role of chromosome change in the diversification of mammalian populations and species.

Karyological study of Ololygon tripui (Lourenço, Nascimento and Pires, 2009), (Anura, Hylidae) with comments on chromosomal traits among populations.

To increase the number of cytogenetic characters used in Ololygon tripui systematics, we applied some cytogenetic techniques such as Giemsa, C- and NOR-banding, and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with 18S rDNA and repetitive microsatellite DNA probes to the study of four populations from Minas Gerais State (southeastern Brazil). All populations showed 2n = 24 and FN = 48, and chromosomal formula 8m + 10sm + 6st. Nucleolar organizing regions (NORs) were located on chromosome pair 6 in all populations, although in the Tripuí locality additional markings were observed on one homologue of chromosome pair 3. These patterns were partially congruent with results obtained using the 18S rDNA FISH probe. The microsatellites repetitive DNA (GA)15 and (CAT)10 probes accumulated predominantly in the terminal region of all chromosomes. Chromosome morphology and Ag-NOR were conserved among populations, a conserved pattern in Ololygon Fitzinger, 1843. Repetitive DNA FISH probes patterns were similar among populations, but they revealed species-specific differences when compared with other species of the genus Ololygon, suggesting that molecular cytogenetics are potentially more informative in karyologically conservative taxa.

Chromosome surveys of human populations: between epidemiology and anthropology.

It is commonly held that after 1945 human genetics turned medical and focussed on the individual rather than on the study of human populations that had become discredited. However, a closer look at the research practices at the time quickly reveals that human population studies, using old and new tools, prospered in this period. The essay focuses on the rise of chromosome analysis as a new tool for the study of human populations. It reviews a broad array of population studies ranging from newborn screening programmes to studies of isolated or 'primitive' people. Throughout, it highlights the continuing role of concerns and opportunities raised by the propagation of atomic energy for civilian and military uses, the collection of large data bases and computers, and the role of international organisations like the World Health Organisation and the International Biological Programme in shaping research agendas and carving out a space for human heredity in the postwar era.

Allopatric chromosomal variation in Nematocharax venustus Weitzman, Menezes & Britski, 1986 (Actinopterygii: Characiformes) based on mapping of repetitive sequences

Characiformes is the most cytogenetically studied group of freshwater Actinopterygii, but karyotypical data of several taxa remain unknown. This is the case of Nematocharax , regarded as a monotypic genus and characterized by marked sexual dimorphism. Therefore, we provide the first cytogenetic report of allopatric populations of Nematocharax venustus based on distinct methods of chromosomal banding and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with repetitive DNA probes (18S and 5S rDNA). The karyotype macrostructure was conserved in all specimens and populations, independently on sex, since they shared a diploid number (2n) of 50 chromosomes divided into 8m+26sm+14st+2a. The heterochromatin was mainly distributed at pericentromeric regions and base-specific fluorochrome staining revealed a single pair bearing GC-rich sites, coincident with nucleolar organizer regions (NORs). On the other hand, interpopulation variation in both number and position of repetitive sequences was observed, particularly in relation to 5S rDNA. Apparently, the short life cycles and restricted dispersal of small characins, such as N. venustus , might have favored the divergence of repetitive DNA among populations, indicating that this species might encompass populations with distinct evolutionary histories, which has important implications for conservation measures.

Characiformes é o grupo de Actinopterygii de água doce mais estudado citogeneticamente, porém dados cariotípicos de vários taxa permanecem desconhecidos. Este é o caso de Nematocharax , considerado um gênero monotípico e caracterizado pelo acentuado dimorfismo sexual. Em vista disso, nós fornecemos a primeira descrição citogenética de populações alopátricas de Nematocharax venustus , baseada em métodos distintos de bandamento cromossômico e hibridação fluorescente in situ (FISH) com sondas de DNA repetitivo (DNAr 18S e 5S). A macroestrutura cariotípica mostrou-se conservada em todos os espécimes e populações, independentemente do sexo, uma vez que compartilharam um número diploide (2n) de 50 cromossomos dividido em 8m+26sm+14st+2a. A heterocromatina distribuiu-se principalmente nas regiões pericentroméricas e a coloração com fluorocromos base-específicos revelou um único par portador de sítios GC-ricos, coincidentes com as regiões organizadoras de nucléolo (RONs). Por outro lado, foi observada uma variação interpopulacional no número e na posição das sequências repetitivas, especialmente em relação ao DNAr 5S. Aparentemente, ciclos de vida curtos e dispersão restrita dos pequenos caracídeos, tal como N. venustus , podem ter favorecido a divergência do DNA repetitivo entre as populações, indicando que essa espécie pode englobar populações com distintas histórias evolutivas, o que tem implicações importantes para medidas de conservação.

Population analysis of a chromosome polymorphism in Astyanax (Teleostei, Characiformes) species endemic to the Iguaçu River

Chromosomal analyses were performed in the fish Astyanax sp.D collected from three different points: two streams from the right bank and one from the left bank of the Upper Iguaçu River, Paraná State, Brazil. The individuals from all localities possess 2n = 50 chromosomes and a FN = 84 (4m+24sm+6st+16a). The C-banding pattern was similar in all populations. However, within each population, an interindividual variation concerning the number and localization of heterochromatic bands was observed. Some of these variations were quantified in each population, and the results indicate that the samples were not different when studying the variable frequencies. Considering that Astyanax sp.D is typical in the headwaters of the Iguaçu River, these results were not expected. The data indicate that gene flow is occurring and that the Iguaçu River is not an ecological barrier among the Astyanax sp. D populations.