Aegilops crassa Boiss. repeatome characterized using low-coverage NGS as a source of new FISH markers: Application in phylogenetic studies of the Triticeae

Aegilops crassa Boiss. is polyploid grass species that grows in the eastern part of the Fertile Crescent, Afghanistan, and Middle Asia. It consists of tetraploid (4x) and hexaploid (6x) cytotypes (2n = 4x = 28, D¹D (Abdolmalaki et al., 2019) X^crX^cr and 2n = 6x = 42, D¹D (Abdolmalaki et al., 2019) X^crX^crD²D (Adams and Wendel, 2005), respectively) that are similar morphologically. Although many Aegilops species were used in wheat breeding, the genetic potential of Ae. crassa has not yet been exploited due to its uncertain origin and significant genome modifications. Tetraploid Ae. crassa is thought to be the oldest polyploid Aegilops species, the subgenomes of which still retain some features of its ancient diploid progenitors. The D¹ and D² subgenomes of Ae. crassa were contributed by Aegilops tauschii (2n = 2x = 14, DD), while the X^cr subgenome donor is still unknown. Owing to its ancient origin, Ae. crassa can serve as model for studying genome evolution. Despite this, Ae. crassa is poorly studied genetically and no genome sequences were available for this species. We performed low-coverage genome sequencing of 4x and 6x cytotypes of Ae. crassa, and four Ae. tauschii accessions belonging to different subspecies; diploid wheatgrass Thinopyrum bessarabicum (J^b genome), which is phylogenetically close to D (sub)genome species, was taken as an outgroup. Subsequent data analysis using the pipeline RepeatExplorer2 allowed us to characterize the repeatomes of these species and identify several satellite sequences. Some of these sequences are novel, while others are found to be homologous to already known satellite sequences of Triticeae species. The copy number of satellite repeats in genomes of different species and their subgenome (D¹ or X^cr) affinity in Ae. crassa were assessed by means of comparative bioinformatic analysis combined with quantitative PCR (qPCR). Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was performed to map newly identified satellite repeats on chromosomes of common wheat, Triticum aestivum, 4x and 6x Ae. crassa, Ae. tauschii, and Th. bessarabicum. The new FISH markers can be used in phylogenetic analyses of the Triticeae for chromosome identification and the assessment of their subgenome affinities and for evaluation of genome/chromosome constitution of wide hybrids or polyploid species.

Genetic diversity, distribution and domestication history of the neglected GGAtAt genepool of wheat

We present a comprehensive survey of cytogenetic and genomic diversity of the GGA^tA^t genepool of wheat, thereby unlocking these plant genetic resources for wheat improvement. Wheat yields are stagnating around the world and new sources of genes for resistance or tolerances to abiotic traits are required. In this context, the tetraploid wheat wild relatives are among the key candidates for wheat improvement. Despite its potential huge value for wheat breeding, the tetraploid GGA^tA^t genepool is largely neglected. Understanding the population structure, native distribution range, intraspecific variation of the entire tetraploid GGA^tA^t genepool and its domestication history would further its use for wheat improvement. The paper provides the first comprehensive survey of genomic and cytogenetic diversity sampling the full breadth and depth of the tetraploid GGA^tA^t genepool. According to the results obtained, the extant GGA^tA^t genepool consists of three distinct lineages. We provide detailed insights into the cytogenetic composition of GGA^tA^t wheats, revealed group- and population-specific markers and show that chromosomal rearrangements play an important role in intraspecific diversity of T. araraticum. The origin and domestication history of the GGA^tA^t lineages is discussed in the context of state-of-the-art archaeobotanical finds. We shed new light on the complex evolutionary history of the GGA^tA^t wheat genepool and provide the basis for an increased use of the GGA^tA^t wheat genepool for wheat improvement. The findings have implications for our understanding of the origins of agriculture in southwest Asia.

Evolution of the S-Genomes in Triticum-Aegilops Alliance: Evidences From Chromosome Analysis

Five diploid Aegilops species of the Sitopsis section: Ae. speltoides, Ae. longissima, Ae. sharonensis, Ae. searsii, and Ae. bicornis, two tetraploid species Ae. peregrina (= Ae. variabilis) and Ae. kotschyi (Aegilops section) and hexaploid Ae. vavilovii (Vertebrata section) carry the S-genomes. The B- and G-genomes of polyploid wheat are also the derivatives of the S-genome. Evolution of the S-genome species was studied using Giemsa C-banding and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with DNA probes representing 5S (pTa794) and 18S-5.8S-26S (pTa71) rDNAs as well as nine tandem repeats: pSc119.2, pAesp_SAT86, Spelt-1, Spelt-52, pAs1, pTa-535, and pTa-s53. To correlate the C-banding and FISH patterns we used the microsatellites (CTT)₁₀ and (GTT)₉, which are major components of the C-banding positive heterochromatin in wheat. According to the results obtained, diploid species split into two groups corresponding to Emarginata and Truncata sub-sections, which differ in the C-banding patterns, distribution of rDNA and other repeats. The B- and G-genomes of polyploid wheat are most closely related to the S-genome of Ae. speltoides. The genomes of allopolyploid wheat have been evolved as a result of different species-specific chromosome translocations, sequence amplification, elimination and re-patterning of repetitive DNA sequences. These events occurred independently in different wheat species and in Ae. speltoides _. The 5S rDNA locus of chromosome 1S was probably lost in ancient Ae. speltoides prior to formation of Timopheevii wheat, but after the emergence of ancient emmer. Evolution of Emarginata species was associated with an increase of C-banding and (CTT)₁₀-positive heterochromatin, amplification of Spelt-52, re-pattering of the pAesp_SAT86, and a gradual decrease in the amount of the D-genome-specific repeats pAs1, pTa-535, and pTa-s53. The emergence of Ae. peregrina and Ae. kotschyi did not lead to significant changes of the S^*-genomes. However, partial elimination of 45S rDNA repeats from 5S^* and 6S^* chromosomes and alterations of C-banding and FISH-patterns have been detected. Similarity of the S^v-genome of Ae. vavilovii with the S^s genome of diploid Ae. searsii confirmed the origin of this hexaploid. A model of the S-genome evolution is suggested.

A Set of Cytogenetic Markers Allows the Precise Identification of All A-Genome Chromosomes in Diploid and Polyploid Wheat

Karyotypes of 3 diploid wheat species containing different variants of the A-genome, Triticum boeoticum (A(b)), T. monococcum (A(b)), and T. urartu (A(u)), were examined using C-banding and FISH with DNA probes representing 5S and 45S rDNA families, the microsatellite sequences GAAn and GTTn, the already known satellite sequences pSc119.2, Spelt52, Fat, pAs1, and pTa535, and a newly identified repeat called Aesp_SAT86. The C-banding patterns of the 3 species in general were similar; differences were observed in chromosomes 4A and 6A. Besides 2 major 45S rDNA loci on chromosomes 1A and 5A, 2 minor polymorphic NORs were observed in the terminal part of 5AL and in the distal part of 6AS in all species. An additional minor locus was found in the distal part of 7A(b)L of T. boeoticum and T. monococcum, but not in T. urartu. Two 5S rDNA loci were observed in 1AS and 5AS. The pTa535 probe displayed species- and chromosome-specific hybridization patterns, allowing complete chromosome identification and species discrimination. The distribution of pTa535 on the A(u)-genome chromosomes was more similar to that on the A-genome chromosomes of T. dicoccoides and T. araraticum, thus confirming the origin of these genomes from T. urartu. The probe pAs1 allowed the identification of 4 chromosomes of T. urartu and 2 of T. boeoticum or T. monococcum. The Aesp_SAT86-derived patterns were polymorphic; main clusters were observed on chromosomes 1A(u )and 3A(u) of T. urartu and chromosomes 3A(b) and 6A(b) of T. boeoticum. Thus, a set of probes, pTa535, pAs1, GAAn and GTTn, pTa71, pTa794, and Aesp_SAT86, proved to be most informative for the analysis of A-genomes in diploid and polyploid wheat species.

Chromosome evolution in marginal populations of Aegilops speltoides: causes and consequences

BACKGROUND

Genome restructuring is an ongoing process in natural plant populations. The influence of environmental changes on the genome is crucial, especially during periods of extreme climatic fluctuations. Interactions between the environment and the organism manifest to the greatest extent at the limits of the species' ecological niche. Thus, marginal populations are expected to exhibit lower genetic diversity and higher genetic differentiation than central populations, and some models assume that marginal populations play an important role in the maintenance and generation of biological diversity.

SCOPE

In this review, long-term data on the cytogenetic characteristics of diploid Aegilops speltoides Tauch populations are summarized and discussed. This species is distributed in and around the Fertile Crescent and is proposed to be the wild progenitor of a number of diploid and polyploid wheat species. In marginal populations of Ae. speltoides, numerical chromosomal aberrations, spontaneous aneuploidy, B-chromosomes, rDNA cluster repatterning and reduction in the species-specific and tribe-specific tandem repeats have been detected. Significant changes were observed and occurred in parallel with changes in plant morphology and physiology.

CONCLUSIONS

Considerable genomic variation at the chromosomal level was found in the marginal populations of Ae. speltoides. It is likely that a specific combination of gene mutations and chromosomal repatterning has produced the evolutionary trend in each specific case, i.e. for a particular species or group of related species in a given period of time and in a certain habitat. The appearance of a new chromosomal pattern is considered an important factor in promoting the emergence of interbreeding barriers.

Tandem repeats on an eco-geographical scale: outcomes from the genome of Aegilops speltoides

The chromosomal pattern of tandem repeat fractions of repetitive DNA is one of the most important characteristics of a species. In the present research, we aimed to detect and evaluate the level of intraspecific variability in the chromosomal distribution of species-specific Spelt 1 and Aegilops-Triticum-specific Spelt 52 tandem repeats in Aegilops speltoides and in closely related diploid and polyploid species. There is a distinct eco-geographical gradient in Spelt 1 and Spelt 52 blocks abundance in Ae. speltoides. In marginal populations, the number of Spelt 1 chromosomal blocks could be 12-14 times lower than in the center of the species distribution. Also, in related diploid species, the abundance of Spelt 52 correlates with evolutionary proximity to Ae. speltoides. Finally, the B- and G-genomes of allopolyploid wheats have Spelt 1 chromosomal distribution patterns similar to those of the types of Ae. speltoides with poor and rich contents of Spelt 1, respectively. The observed changes in numbers of blocks of Spelt 1 and Spelt 52 tandem repeats along the eco-geographical gradient may due to their depletion in the marginal populations as a result of increased recombination frequency under stressful conditions. Alternatively, it may be accumulation of tandem repeats in conducive climatic/edaphic environments in the center of the species' geographical distribution. Anyway, we observe a bidirectional shift of repetitive DNA genomic patterns on the population level leading to the formation of population-specific chromosomal patterns of tandem repeats. The appearance of a new chromosomal pattern is considered an important factor in promoting the emergence of interbreeding barriers.

Comparative cytogenetic analysis of Avena macrostachya and diploid C-genome Avena species

The chromosome set of Avena macrostachya Balansa ex Coss. et Durieu was analyzed using C-banding and fluorescence in situ hybridization with 5S and 18S-5.8S-26S rRNA gene probes, and the results were compared with the C-genome diploid Avena L. species. The location of major nucleolar organizer regions and 5S rDNA sites on different chromosomes confirmed the affiliation of A. macrostachya with the C-genome group. However, the symmetric karyotype, the absence of “diffuse heterochromatin”, and the location of large C-band complexes in proximal chromosome regions pointed to an isolated position of A. macrostachya from other Avena species. Based on the distribution of rDNA loci on the C-genome chromosomes of diploid and polyploid Avena species, we propose a model of the chromosome alterations that occurred during the evolution of oat species.