A comprehensive molecular cytogenetic analysis of chromosome rearrangements in gibbons

Abstract

Chromosome rearrangements in small apes are up to 20 times more frequent than in most mammals. Because of their complexity, the full extent of chromosome evolution in these hominoids is not yet fully documented. However, previous work with array painting, BAC-FISH and selective sequencing in two of the four karyomorphs, has shown that high resolution methods can precisely define chromosome breakpoints and map the complex flow of evolutionary chromosome rearrangements. Here we use these tools to precisely define the rearrangements that have occurred in the remaining two karyomorphs, genera Symphalangus (2n=50), and Hoolock (2n=38). This research provides the most comprehensive insight into the evolutionary origins of chromosome rearrangements involved in transforming small apes genome. Bioinformatics analyses of the human-gibbon synteny breakpoints revealed association with transposable elements and segmental duplications providing some insight into the mechanisms that might have promoted rearrangements in small apes. In the near future, the comparison of gibbon genome sequences will provide novel insights to test hypotheses concerning the mechanisms of chromosome evolution. The precise definition of synteny block boundaries and orientation, chromosomal fusions, and centromere repositioning event presented here will facilitate genome sequence assembly for these close relatives of humans.


Autore Pugliese

Tutti gli autori

  • ROCCHI M.;ARCHIDIACONO N.

Titolo volume/Rivista

Non Disponibile


Anno di pubblicazione

2012

ISSN

1088-9051

ISBN

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Numero di citazioni Wos

19

Ultimo Aggiornamento Citazioni

Non Disponibile


Numero di citazioni Scopus

18

Ultimo Aggiornamento Citazioni

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Settori ERC

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Codici ASJC

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