Physical localization and probable transcriptional activity of 18S–5.8S–26S rRNA gene loci in some Asiatic Cymbidiums (Orchidaceae) from north-east India

Characterization of repetitive sequences in Dendrobium officinale and comparative chromosomal structures in Dendrobium species using FISH

Tandem repeats are one of the most conserved features in the eukaryote genomes. Dendrobium is the third largest genus in family Orchidaceae compromising over 1,200 species. However, the organization of repetitive sequences in Dendrobium species remains unclear. In this study, we performed the identification and characterization of the tandem repeats in D. officinale genome using graph-based clustering and Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Six major clusters including five satellite DNAs (DofSat1-5) and one 5S rDNA repeat (Dof5S) were identified as tandem repeats. The tandem organization of DofSat5 was verified by PCR amplification and southern blotting. The chromosomal locations of the repetitive DNAs in D. officinale were investigated by FISH using the tandem repeats and oligos probes. The results showed that each of the DofSat5, 5S and 45S rDNA had one pair of strong signals on D. officinale chromosomes. The distribution of repetitive DNAs along chromosomes was also investigated based on genomic in situ hybridization (GISH) among four Dendrobium species. The results suggested complex chromosomal fusion/segmentation and rearrangements during the evolution of Dendrobium species. In conclusion, the present study provides new landmarks for unequival differentiation of the Dendrobium chromosomes and facilitate the understanding the chromosome evolution in Dendrobium speceis.

Development and application of an optimized drop-slide technique for metaphase chromosome spreads in maize

Chromosome spreads are important for complex molecular cytogenetic studies. An adequate chromosome spreading method for identification and isolation of the maize B chromosome, however, has not been reported. We used the maize inbred lines, B73 and Mo17, the hybrid YD08 line and the landrace DP76 to develop an optimized chromosome spreading method. We investigated the effects of four treatment factors on the quality of metaphase chromosome spreads using a factorial analysis of variance. Optimal conditions for metaphase spreading were identified using regression analysis based on multifactor orthogonal design of four treatment factors with five levels for each factor. We developed optimal conditions for metaphase spreading as follows: nitrous oxide treatment for 2 h, glacial acetic acid fixation for 2 h, enzyme hydrolysis for 6.0 h, and a drop height of 35 cm for cell suspension. We obtained high quality metaphase chromosome spreads with large metaphase areas, large numbers of chromosomes, few chromosome overlaps and high frequency of intact metaphases. Our optimized drop-slide procedure was markedly better than the traditional flame smear technique. We identified 487 B chromosomes in three forms from maize landraces from Southwest China. We found no relation between the C-band number and B chromosome. Single B chromosomes also were isolated directly from a metaphase chromosome drop-slide using a micromanipulator. Our optimized method provides a simple, efficient and reproducible procedure for preparing high quality plant chromosome spreads.

Application of a modified drop method for high-resolution pachytene chromosome spreads in two Phalaenopsis species

BACKGROUND

Preparation of good chromosome spreads without cytoplasmic contamination is the crucial step in cytogenetic mapping. To date, cytogenetic research in the Orchidaceae family has been carried out solely on mitotic metaphase chromosomes. Well-spread meiotic pachytene chromosomes can provide higher resolution and fine detail for analysis of chromosomal structure and are also beneficial for chromosomal FISH (fluorescence in situ hybridization) mapping. However, an adequate method for the preparation of meiotic pachytene chromosomes in orchid species has not yet been reported.

RESULTS

Two Taiwanese native Phalaenopsis species were selected to test the modified drop method for preparation of meiotic pachytene chromosomes from pollinia. In this modified method, pollinia were ground and treated with an enzyme mixture to completely remove cell walls. Protoplasts were resuspended in ethanol/glacial acetic acid and dropped onto a wet inclined slide of 30° from a height of 0.5 m. The sample was then flowed down the inclined plane to spread the chromosomes. Hundreds of pachytene chromosomes with little to no cytoplasmic contamination were well spread on each slide. We also showed that the resolution of 45S rDNA-containing chromosomes at the pachytene stage was up to 20 times higher than that at metaphase. Slides prepared following this modified drop method were amenable to FISH mapping of both 45S and 5S rDNA on pachytene chromosomes and, after FISH, the chromosomal structure remained intact for further analysis.

CONCLUSION

This modified drop method is suitable for pachytene spreads from pollinia of Phalaenopsis orchids. The large number and high-resolution pachytene spreads, with little or no cytoplasmic contamination, prepared by the modified drop method could be used for FISH mapping of DNA fragments to accelerate the integration of cytogenetic and molecular research in Phalaenopsis orchids.

Plant rDNA database: update and new features

The Plant rDNA database (www.plantrdnadatabase.com) is an open access online resource providing detailed information on numbers, structures and positions of 5S and 18S-5.8S-26S (35S) ribosomal DNA loci. The data have been obtained from >600 publications on plant molecular cytogenetics, mostly based on fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). This edition of the database contains information on 1609 species derived from 2839 records, which means an expansion of 55.76 and 94.45%, respectively. It holds the data for angiosperms, gymnosperms, bryophytes and pteridophytes available as of June 2013. Information from publications reporting data for a single rDNA (either 5S or 35S alone) and annotation regarding transcriptional activity of 35S loci now appears in the database. Preliminary analyses suggest greater variability in the number of rDNA loci in gymnosperms than in angiosperms. New applications provide ideograms of the species showing the positions of rDNA loci as well as a visual representation of their genome sizes. We have also introduced other features to boost the usability of the Web interface, such as an application for convenient data export and a new section with rDNA–FISH-related information (mostly detailing protocols and reagents). In addition, we upgraded and/or proofread tabs and links and modified the website for a more dynamic appearance. This manuscript provides a synopsis of these changes and developments.

Database URL: http://www.plantrdnadatabase.com

Physical localization and DNA methylation of 45S rRNA gene loci in Jatropha curcas L

In eukaryotes, 45S rRNA genes are arranged in tandem arrays of repeat units, and not all copies are transcribed during mitosis. DNA methylation is considered to be an epigenetic marker for rDNA activation. Here, we established a clear and accurate karyogram for Jatropha curcas L. The chromosomal formula was found to be 2n=2x=22=12m+10 sm. We found that the 45S rDNA loci were located at the termini of chromosomes 7 and 9 in J. curcas. The distribution of 45S rDNA has no significant difference in J. curcas from different sources. Based on the hybridization signal patterns, there were two forms of rDNA - dispersed and condensed. The dispersed type of signals appeared during interphase and prophase, while the condensed types appeared during different stages of mitosis. DNA methylation analysis showed that when 45S rDNA stronger signals were dispersed and connected to the nucleolus, DNA methylation levels were lower at interphase and prophase. However, when the 45S rDNA loci were condensed, especially during metaphase, they showed different forms of DNA methylation.

Species-genomic relationships among the tribasic diploid and polyploid Carthamus taxa based on physical mapping of active and inactive 18S-5.8S-26S and 5S ribosomal RNA gene families, and the two tandemly repeated DNA sequences

In the genus Carthamus (2n=20, 22, 24, 44, 64; x=10, 11, 12), most of the homologues within and between the chromosome complements are difficult to be identified. In the present work, we used fluorescent in situ hybridisation (FISH) to determine the chromosome distribution of the two rRNA gene families, and the two isolated repeated DNA sequences in the 14 Carthamus taxa. The distinctive variability in the distribution, number and signal intensity of hybridisation sites for 18S-26S and 5S rDNA loci could generally distinguish the 14 Carthamus taxa. Active 18S-26S rDNA sites were generally associated with NOR loci on the nucleolar chromosomes. The two A genome taxa, C. glaucus ssp. anatolicus and C. boissieri with 2n=20, and the two botanical varieties of B genome C. tinctorius (2n=24) had diagnostic FISH patterns. The present results support the origin of C. tinctorius from C. palaestinus. FISH patterns of C. arborescens vis-à-vis the other taxa indicate a clear division of Carthamus taxa into two distinct lineages. Comparative distribution and intensity pattern of 18S-26S rDNA sites could distinguish each of the tetraploid and hexaploid taxa. The present results indicate that C. boissieri (2n=20) is one of the genome donors for C. lanatus and C. lanatus ssp. lanatus (2n=44), and C. lanatus is one of the progenitors for the hexaploid (2n=64) taxa. The association of pCtKpnI-2 repeated sequence with rRNA gene cluster (orphon) in 2-10 nucleolar and non-nucleolar chromosomes and the consistent occurrence of pCtKpnI-1 repeated sequence at the subtelomeric region in all the taxa analysed indicate some functional role of these sequences.

Comparative karyomorphological study of some Indian Cymbidium Swartz, 1799 (Cymbidieae, Orchidaceae)

Understanding the genetic resources and diversity is very important for the breeding programs and improvement of several economically important orchids like Cymbidium. Karyomorphological studies have been carried out on seven Cymbidium species, Cymbidium aloifolium (Linnaeus, 1753), Cymbidium devonianum Paxton,1843, Cymbidium elegans Lindley, 1828, Cymbidium iridioides D. Don, 1825, Cymbidium lowianum Rchb. f.,1877, Cymbidium tigrinum Parish ex Hook. f., 1864, and Cymbidium tracyanum L. Castle,1890, most of them endangered/threatened in their natural habitat. As reported earlier, the somatic chromosome number (2n = 40) has been observed in all the seven species. Distinct inter-specific variation was recorded in the arm ratio of few homologous pairs in the complements. Symmetrical or almost symmetrical karyotypes were prevalent; however significant asymmetry was reported in Cymbidium iridioides and Cymbidium tracyanum. The significance of karyotypic variation in speciation of the genus Cymbidium has been discussed. This study provides useful chromosome landmarks and evidence about genome evolution, heteromorphic chromosomes based heterozygosity, basic chromosome number and ploidy level in the genus Cymbidium.