Evolutionary dynamics of heterochromatin in the genome of Dichotomius beetles based on chromosomal analysis

Dynamic development of AT-rich heterochromatin has followed diversification and genome expansion of psammophilous Mycetophylax (Formicidae: Attini: Attina)

Heterochromatin is an important genome constituent comprised by a high density of repetitive DNA sequences that mediate chromosome structure and function. The species Mycetophylax morschi currently harbours three cytotypes: 2n = 26, 2n = 28 and 2n = 30 chromosomes. However, Mycetophylax conformis and Mycetophylax simplex harbour 2n = 30 and 2n = 36 chromosomes, respectively. None of the cytotypes of M. morschi showed any AT-positive blocks, whereas the karyotypes of M. conformis and M. simplex revealed AT-rich blocks around the pericentromeric region and on the short arm of several chromosomes. This AT-rich pattern is coincident with the known heterochromatin distribution of psammophilous Mycetophylax, confirming that heterochromatin is AT-rich, in line with the genome size and AT%. Our results demonstrated that genome size among psammophilous Mycetophylax is correlated with the proportion of base pairs, biased to adenine and thymine. Thus, genome size and the proportion of adenine and thymine in the species studied here suggest that the genome changes in psammophilous Mycetophylax are related to the expansion of repetitive DNA in AT-rich heterochromatin. Considering the phylogenetic relationship of psammophilous Mycetophylax, the dynamic development of AT-rich heterochromatin and karyotype repatterning encompasses the diversification of such ants.

Multiple heterochromatin diversification events in the genome of fungus-farming ants: insights from repetitive sequences

A substantial portion of the eukaryotic genome includes repetitive DNA, which is important for its stability, regulation, and architecture. Fungus-farming ant genomes show remarkable structural rearrangement rates that were necessary for the establishment of their agriculture-based lifestyle, highlighting the relevance of this peculiar group in understanding the repetitive portion of ant genome. Chromosomal banding studies are in accordance with genomic data because they show that repetitive heterochromatic sequences of basal and derivative Attina species are GC-rich, an uncommon trait in Formicidae. To understand the evolutionary dynamics of heterochromatin in Attina, we compared GC-rich heterochromatin patterns between the Paleoattina and Neoattina clades of this subtribe. To this end, we hybridized the Mrel-C₀t probe (highly and moderately repetitive DNA) obtained from Mycetomoellerius relictus, Neoattina with GC-rich heterochromatin, in karyotypes of Paleoattina and Neoattina species. Additionally, we mapped the repetitive sequences (GA)₁₅ and (TTAGG)₆ in species of the two clades to investigate their organization and evolutionary patterns in the genome of Attina. The Mrel-C₀t probe marked the heterochromatin in M. relictus, in other Mycetomoellerius spp., and in species of Mycetarotes, Cyphomyrmex, and Sericomyrmex (Neoattina). In Mycetomoellerius urichii, only pericentromeric heterochromatin was marked with Mrel-C₀t. No marking was observed in Paleoattina species or in Atta and Acromyrmex (Neoattina). These results indicated that different evolutionary events led to heterochromatin differentiation in Attina. The most likely hypothesis is that GC-rich heterochromatin arose in the common ancestor of the two clades and accumulated various changes throughout evolution. The sequences (GA)₁₅ and (TTAGG)₆ located in euchromatin and telomeres, respectively, showed more homogeneous results among the species.

Comprehensive mapping of transposable elements reveals distinct patterns of element accumulation on chromosomes of wild beetles

Over the past decades, transposable elements (TEs) have been shown to play important roles shaping genome architecture and as major promoters of genetic diversification and evolution of species. Likewise, TE accumulation is tightly linked to heterochromatinization and centromeric dynamics, which can ultimately contribute to speciation. Despite growing efforts to characterize the repeat landscape of species, few studies have focused on mapping the accumulation profiles of TEs on chromosomes. The few studies on repeat accumulation profiles in populations are biased towards model organisms and inbred lineages. Here, we present a cytomolecular analysis of six mobilome-extracted elements on multiple individuals from a population of a species of wild-captured beetle, Dichotomius schiffleri, aiming to investigate patterns of TE accumulation and uncover possible trends of their chromosomal distribution. Compiling TE distribution data from several individuals allowed us to make generalizations regarding variation of TEs at the gross chromosome level unlikely to have been achieved using a single individual, or even from a whole-genome assembly. We found that (1) transposable elements have differential accumulation profiles on D. schiffleri chromosomes and (2) specific chromosomes have their own TE accumulation landscape. The remarkable variability of their genomic distribution suggests that TEs are likely candidates to contribute to the evolution of heterochromatin architecture and promote high genetic variability in species that otherwise display conserved karyotypes. Therefore, this variation likely contributed to genome evolution and species diversification in Dichotomius.

Diverse mobilome of Dichotomius (Luederwaldtinia) schiffleri (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) reveals long-range horizontal transfer events of DNA transposons

Transposable elements (TEs) are mobile DNA sequences that are able to move from one genomic location to another. These selfish elements are known as genomic parasites, since they hijack the host molecular machinery to generate new copies of themselves. The mobilization of TEs can be seen as a natural mutagen because new TE copies can insert into different loci and impact host genomic structure through different mechanisms. Although our knowledge about TEs is improving with new genomes available, there is still very limited data about the mobilome of species from the Coleoptera order, the most diverse order of insects, including species from the Scarabaeidae family. Therefore, the main goal of this study was to characterize the mobilome of D. (Luederwaldtinia) schiffleri, based on low-coverage genome sequencing, and reconstruct their evolutionary history. We used a combination of four different approaches for TE characterization and maximum likelihood phylogenetic analysis to study their evolution. We found a large and diverse mobilome composed of 38 TE superfamilies, 20 DNA transposon and 18 retrotransposons, accounting for 21% of the genome. Moreover, we found a number of incongruences between the TE and host phylogenetic trees in three DNA transposon TE superfamilies, which represents five TE families, suggesting possible horizontal transfer events between highly divergent taxa. In summary, we found an abundant and diverse mobilome and a number of horizontal transfer events that have shaped the evolutionary history of this species.

Cytogenetic markers applied to cytotaxonomy in two soybean pests: Anticarsia gemmatalis (Hübner, 1818) and Chrysodeixis includens (Walker, 1858)

Anticarsia gemmatalis (Hübner, 1818) and Chrysodeixis includens (Walker, 1858) are species of Lepidoptera that cause great damages in the soybean plantations of Brazil. Despite the importance they have in this regard, there are no studies on the chromosomal organization of these species and recently, A. gemmatalis, which belonged to the Noctuidae family, was allocated to the Erebidae family. Therefore, the objective of this paper was to analyze, through conventional and molecular cytogenetic markers, both species of Lepidoptera. A 2n = 62 was observed, with ZZ/ZW sex chromosome system and holokinetic chromosomes for both species. There was homogeneity in the number of 18S rDNA sites for both species. However, variations in heterochromatin distribution were observed between both species. The cytogenetic analyses enabled separation of the species, corroborating the transference of A. gemmatalis, from the family Noctuidae to the family Erebidae, suggesting new cytotaxonomic characteristics.

Isolation of a Pericentromeric Satellite DNA Family in Chnootriba argus (Henosepilachna argus) with an Unusual Short Repeat Unit (TTAAAA) for Beetles

Ladybird beetles (Coccinellidae) are one of the largest groups of beetles. Among them, some species are of economic interest since they can act as a biological control for some agricultural pests whereas other species are phytophagous and can damage crops. Chnootriba argus (Coccinellidae, Epilachnini) has large heterochromatic pericentromeric blocks on all chromosomes, including both sexual chromosomes. Classical digestion of total genomic DNA using restriction endonucleases failed to find the satellite DNA located on these heterochromatic regions. Cloning of C0t-1 DNA resulted in the isolation of a repetitive DNA with a repeat unit of six base pairs, TTAAAA. The amount of TTAAAA repeat in the C. argus genome was about 20%. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis and digestion of chromosomes with the endonuclease Tru9I revealed that this repetitive DNA could be considered as the putative pericentromeric satellite DNA (satDNA) in this species. The presence of this satellite DNA was tested in other species of the tribe Epilachnini and it is also present in Epilachna paenulata. In both species, the TTAAAA repeat seems to be the main satellite DNA and it is located on the pericentromeric region on all chromosomes. The size of this satDNA, which has only six base pairs is unusual in Coleoptera satellite DNAs, where satDNAs usually have repeat units of a much larger size. Southern hybridization and FISH proved that this satDNA is conserved in some Epilachnini species but not in others. This result is in concordance with the controversial phylogenetic relationships among the genera of the tribe Epilachnini, where the limits between genera are unclear.

Characterization and chromosomal mapping of the DgmarMITE transposon in populations of Dichotomius (Luederwaldtinia) sericeus species complex (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)

Transposable elements are dispersed repetitive DNA sequences that can move within the genome and are related to genome and chromosome evolution, adaptation, and speciation. The aim of this study was to characterize and determine the chromosomal location and accumulation of a Mariner-like element in populations of four phylogenetically related species of the Dichotomius (Luederwaldtinia) sericeus complex. Mapping of the isolated element was performed by fluorescent in situ hybridization in different populations of analyzed species. Characterization of the isolated element revealed a degenerated transposon, named DgmarMITE. This transposon is 496-bp-long, AT rich (57%), and contains 24 bp terminal inverted repeats. In situ mapping revealed presence of this element only in two out of four species analyzed. DgmarMITE sites were located in heterochromatic and euchromatic regions and varied in location and number on the karyotypes of Dichotomius (L.) gilletti and D. (L.) guaribensis across different populations. These results demonstrate differential accumulation of the DgmarMITE in genomes of these species, which is probably due to the occurrence of ectopic recombination and cross-mobilization of the element mediated by the transposase of closely related or unrelated transposable elements.

The roles of barriers, refugia, and chromosomal clines underlying diversification in Atlantic Forest social wasps

Phylogeographic studies have sought to explain the genetic imprints of historical climatic changes and geographic barriers within the Brazilian Atlantic Forest (AF) biota, and consequently two processes of diversification (refugia and barriers) have been proposed. Additionally, there is evidence that eustatic changes influenced the biogeographic history of the AF. Here we evaluate these contrasting diversification processes using two AF social wasp species – the mid-montane Synoeca cyanea and the lowland Synoeca aff. septentrionalis. We analyzed several sources of data including multilocus DNA sequence, climatic niche models and chromosomal features. We find support for idiosyncratic phylogeographic patterns between these wasps, involving different levels of population structure and genetic diversity, contrary suitable climatic conditions during the last glaciation, and contrasting historical movements along the AF. Our data indicate that neotectonics and refugia played distinct roles in shaping the genetic structure of these wasps. However, we argue that eustatic changes influenced the demographic expansion but not population structure in AF biota. Notably, these wasps exhibited chromosomal clines, involving chromosome number and decreasing of GC content, latitudinally oriented along the AF. Together, these results reinforce the need to consider individual organismal histories and indicate that barriers and refugia are significant factors in understanding AF evolution.

Karyotypes and Repetitive DNA Evolution in Six Species of the Genus Mahanarva (Auchenorrhyncha: Cercopidae)

Insects of the Cercopidae family are widely distributed and comprise 59 genera and 431 species in the New World. They are xylemophagous, causing losses in agricultural and pasture grasses, and are considered as emerging pests. Chromosomally, these insects have been studied by standard techniques, revealing variable diploid numbers and primarily X0 sex chromosome systems (males). We performed chromosome studies in 6 Mahanarva (Cercopidae) species using standard and differential chromosome staining as well as mapping of repetitive DNAs. Moreover, the relationship between the repetitive DNAs was analyzed at the interspecific level. A diploid chromosome number of 2n = 19,X0 was documented, with chromosomes gradually decreasing in size. Neutral or GC-rich regions were detected which varied depending on the species. Fluorescence in situ hybridization with a (TTAGG)n telomeric motif probe revealed terminal signals, matching those of the Cot DNAs obtained from each species, that were also restricted to the terminal regions of all chromosomes. Dot blot analysis with the Cot fraction from M. quadripunctata showed that at least part of the repetitive genome is shared among the 6 species. Our data highlight the conservation of chromosomal features and organization of repetitive DNAs in the genus Mahanarva, suggesting a low differentiation for chromosomes and repetitive DNAs in most of the 6 species studied.

Organization of some repetitive DNAs and B chromosomes in the grasshopper Eumastusia koebelei koebelei (Rehn, 1909) (Orthoptera, Acrididae, Leptysminae)

B chromosomes occur in approximately 15% of eukaryotes and are usually heterochromatic and rich in repetitive DNAs. Here we describe characteristics of a B chromosome in the grasshopper Eumastusia koebelei koebelei (Rehn, 1909) through classical cytogenetic methods and mapping of some repetitive DNAs, including multigene families, telomeric repeats and a DNA fraction enriched with repetitive DNAs obtained from DOP-PCR. Eumastusia koebelei koebelei presented 2n=23, X0 and, in one individual, two copies of the same variant of a B chromosome were noticed, which are associated during meiosis. The C-positive blocks were located in the pericentromeric regions of the standard complement and along the entire length of the B chromosomes. Some G+C-rich heterochromatic blocks were noticed, including conspicuous blocks in the B chromosomes. The mapping of 18S rDNA and U2 snDNA revealed only autosomal clusters, and the telomeric probe hybridized in terminal regions. Finally, the DOP-PCR probe obtained from an individual without a B chromosome revealed signals in the heterochromatic regions, including the entire length of the B chromosome. The possible intraspecific origin of the B chromosomes, due to the shared pool of repetitive DNAs between the A and B chromosomes and the possible consequences of their association are discussed.

Repetitive sequences: the hidden diversity of heterochromatin in prochilodontid fish

The structure and organization of repetitive elements in fish genomes are still relatively poorly understood, although most of these elements are believed to be located in heterochromatic regions. Repetitive elements are considered essential in evolutionary processes as hotspots for mutations and chromosomal rearrangements, among other functions - thus providing new genomic alternatives and regulatory sites for gene expression. The present study sought to characterize repetitive DNA sequences in the genomes of Semaprochilodus insignis (Jardine & Schomburgk, 1841) and Semaprochilodus taeniurus (Valenciennes, 1817) and identify regions of conserved syntenic blocks in this genome fraction of three species of Prochilodontidae (Semaprochilodus insignis, Semaprochilodus taeniurus, and Prochilodus lineatus (Valenciennes, 1836) by cross-FISH using Cot-1 DNA (renaturation kinetics) probes. We found that the repetitive fractions of the genomes of Semaprochilodus insignis and Semaprochilodus taeniurus have significant amounts of conserved syntenic blocks in hybridization sites, but with low degrees of similarity between them and the genome of Prochilodus lineatus, especially in relation to B chromosomes. The cloning and sequencing of the repetitive genomic elements of Semaprochilodus insignis and Semaprochilodus taeniurus using Cot-1 DNA identified 48 fragments that displayed high similarity with repetitive sequences deposited in public DNA databases and classified as microsatellites, transposons, and retrotransposons. The repetitive fractions of the Semaprochilodus insignis and Semaprochilodus taeniurus genomes exhibited high degrees of conserved syntenic blocks in terms of both the structures and locations of hybridization sites, but a low degree of similarity with the syntenic blocks of the Prochilodus lineatus genome. Future comparative analyses of other prochilodontidae species will be needed to advance our understanding of the organization and evolution of the genomes in this group of fish.

Occurrence of Rabl-like telomere clustering in the holocentric chromosomes of the peach potato aphid Myzus persicae (Hemiptera; Aphididae)

Several studies demonstrated that chromosome anchoring to nuclear structures is involved in the organization of the interphase nucleus. The Rabl configuration, a well-studied chromosome organization in the interphase nucleus, has been deeply studied in organisms with monocentric chromosomes but just slightly touched in species with holocentric chromosomes. In the present paper, by means of the isolation and chromosomal mapping of the C0t DNA fraction and chromatin immunoprecipitation with anti-LEM-2 antibodies, we evidenced the presence of few foci where telomeres and subtelomeric regions cluster in the aphid interphase nuclei, suggesting the occurrence of a Rabl-like chromosome configuration. The same experimental approaches also evidenced that most of the repetitive DNA of the 2 X chromosomes is located at the periphery of the nucleus, whereas the ribosomal genes, located at 1 telomere of each X chromosome, are present towards the inner portion of the nucleus, favoring their transcriptional activity.

Chromosomal organization and evolutionary history of Mariner transposable elements in Scarabaeinae coleopterans

Background

With the aim to increase the knowledge on the evolution of coleopteran genomes, we investigated through cytogenetics and nucleotide sequence analysis Mariner transposons in three Scarabaeinae species (Coprophanaeus cyanescens, C. ensifer and Diabroctis mimas).

Results

The cytogenetic mapping revealed an accumulation of Mariner transposon in the pericentromeric repetitive regions characterized as rich in heterochromatin and C₀t-1 DNA fraction (DNA enriched with high and moderately repeated sequences). Nucleotide sequence analysis of Mariner revealed the presence of two major groups of Mariner copies in the three investigated coleoptera species.

Conclusions

The Mariner is accumulated in the centromeric area of the coleopteran chromosomes probably as a consequence of the absence of recombination in the heterochromatic regions. Our analysis detected high diversification of Mariner sequences during the evolutionary history of the group. Furthermore, comparisons between the coleopterans sequences with other insects and mammals, suggest that the horizontal transfer (HT) could have acted in the spreading of the Mariner in diverse non-related animal groups.

Chromosomal diversification of diploid number, heterochromatin and rDNAs in two species of Phanaeus beetles (Scarabaeidae, Scarabaeinae)

The genus Phanaeus is included in the tribe Phanaeini, one of the most diverse tribes within the subfamily Scarabaeinae in terms of chromosomal characteristics. However, so far the species of this genus were not studied with differential cytogenetic techniques, limiting any inference of the probable mechanisms responsible for this diversity. In this work, several techniques were applied with the aim of cytogenetically characterizing two Phanaeus species. The karyotype found for Phanaeus (Notiophanaeus) chalcomelas was 2n = 12, neo-XY, and that of P. (N.) splendidulus was 2n = 20, Xy_p, considered primitive for the family Scarabaeidae. The chromosomes of both species showed a high amount of constitutive heterochromatin (CH), with blocks rich in base pairs GC (CMA₃⁺). Moreover, in P. (N.) chalcomelas the marks revealed by C-banding and fluorochrome staining were different in size, showing CH variability. Sites of 18S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) were identified in one autosomal pair of P. (N.) chalcomelas and in five autosomal pairs of P. (N.) splendidulus. On the other hand, only one autosomal pair exhibited 5S rDNA sequences in these species. The results suggest that the karyotype differentiation of the Phanaeus species studied here involved pericentric inversions and centric fusions, as well as mechanisms related to amplification and dispersion of CH and rDNA sequences.

Chromosomal Mapping of Repetitive DNAs in the Grasshopper Abracris flavolineata Reveal Possible Ancestry of the B Chromosome and H3 Histone Spreading

Supernumerary chromosomes (B chromosomes) occur in approximately 15% of eukaryote species. Although these chromosomes have been extensively studied, knowledge concerning their specific molecular composition is lacking in most cases. The accumulation of repetitive DNAs is one remarkable characteristic of B chromosomes, and the occurrence of distinct types of multigene families, satellite DNAs and some transposable elements have been reported. Here, we describe the organization of repetitive DNAs in the A complement and B chromosome system in the grasshopper species Abracris flavolineata using classical cytogenetic techniques and FISH analysis using probes for five multigene families, telomeric repeats and repetitive C0t-1 DNA fractions. The 18S rRNA and H3 histone multigene families are highly variable and well distributed in A. flavolineata chromosomes, which contrasts with the conservation of U snRNA genes and less variable distribution of 5S rDNA sequences. The H3 histone gene was an extensively distributed with clusters occurring in all chromosomes. Repetitive DNAs were concentrated in C-positive regions, including the pericentromeric region and small chromosomal arms, with some occurrence in C-negative regions, but abundance was low in the B chromosome. Finally, the first demonstration of the U2 snRNA gene in B chromosomes in A. flavolineata may shed light on its possible origin. These results provide new information regarding chromosomal variability for repetitive DNAs in grasshoppers and the specific molecular composition of B chromosomes.

Cytogenetic and molecular analyses reveal a divergence between Acromyrmex striatus (Roger, 1863) and other congeneric species: taxonomic implications

The leafcutter ants, which consist of Acromyrmex and Atta genera, are restricted to the New World and they are considered the main herbivores in the neotropics. Cytogenetic studies of leafcutter ants are available for five species of Atta and 14 species of Acromyrmex, both including subspecies. These two ant genera have a constant karyotype with a diploid number of 22 and 38 chromosomes, respectively. The most distinct Acromyrmex species from Brazil is A. striatus, which is restricted to the southern states of Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul. Several cytogenetic and phylogenetic studies have been conducted with ants, but the karyotypic characterization and phylogenetic position of this species relative to leafcutter ants remains unknown. In this study, we report a diploid number of 22 chromosomes for A. striatus. The phylogenetic relationship between A. striatus and other leafcutter ants was estimated based on the four nuclear genes. A. striatus shared the same chromosome number as Atta species and the majority of metacentric chromosomes. Nuclear data generated a phylogenetic tree with a well-supported cluster, where A. striatus formed a different clade from other Acromyrmex spp. This combination of cytogenetic and molecular approaches provided interesting insights into the phylogenetic position of A. striatus among the leafcutter ants and the tribe Attini.