Chromosomal distribution of interstitial telomeric sequences in nine neotropical primates (Platyrrhini): possible implications in evolution and phylogeny. (28th March 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dumas, Francesca; Cuttaia, Helenia; Sineo, Luca
• Is Part Of: Journal of zoological systematics and evolutionary research. Volume 54:Number 3(2016:Aug.)
• Page Start: 226
• Page End: 236
• Publication Date: 2016-03-28
• Subjects: Chromosomes -- telomeric sequences -- genome evolution -- phylogeny -- owl monkeys; Animals -- Classification -- Periodicals; Zoology -- Periodicals; Evolution -- Periodicals; 578.012
• DOI: 10.1111/jzs.12131
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0947-5745

Abstract

Abstract: To localize interstitial telomeric sequences (ITSs) and to test whether their pattern of distribution could be linked to chromosomal evolution, we hybridized telomeric sequence probes (peptide nucleic acid, PNA) on metaphases of New World monkeys: Callithrix argentata, Callithrix jacchus, Cebuella pygmaea, Saguinus oedipus, Saimiri sciureus, Aotus lemurinus griseimembra, Aotus nancymaae (Cebidae), Lagothrix lagotricha (Atelidae) and Callicebus moloch (Pithecidae), characterized by a rapid radiation and a high rate of chromosomal rearrangements. Our analysis of the probe signal localization allowed us to show in all the species analysed, as normally, the telomeric location at the terminal ends of chromosomes and unexpected signal distributions in some species. Indeed, in three species among the nine studied, Aotus lemurinus griseimembra, Aotus nancymaae (Cebidae) and Lagothrix lagotricha (Atelidae), we showed a high variability in terms of localization and degree of amplification of interstitial telomeric sequences, especially for the ones found at centromeric or pericentromeric positions (het‐ITS). A comparative analysis, between species, of homologous chromosomes to human syntenies, on which we have found positive interspersed PNA signals, allowed us to explain the observed pattern of ITS distribution as results of chromosomal rearrangements in the neotropical primates analysed. This evidence permitted us to discuss the possible implication of ITSs as phylogenetic markers for closely related species. Moreover, reviewing previous literature data of ITSs distribution in Primates and in the light of our results, we suggest an underestimation of ITSs and highlight the importance of the molecular cytogenetics approach in characterizing ITSs, which role is still not clarified. Abstract : Telomeric sequences at interstitial chromosomal position in New Word monkeys. We mapped the telomeric (TTAGGG)n probe on eight Platyrrhini through FISH. Three of them, Lagothrix lagotricha, Aotus nancymaae and Aotus lemurinus griseimembra, showed signals at interspersed sites presumably within chromosomes originating by fusion of homologous to human chromosomes, supporting a previously hypothesis about their origin as results of rearrangements. Moreover, we discuss the usefulness of ITSs as phylogenetic marker for strictly related species.