Satellitome Analysis in the Southern Lapwing ( Vanellus chilensis ) Genome: Implications for SatDNA Evolution in Charadriiform Birds

• Published in: Genes
• Main Authors: Rafael Kretschmer, Gustavo A. Toma, Geize Aparecida Deon, Natalia dos Santos, Rodrigo Zeni dos Santos, Ricardo Utsunomia, Fabio Porto-Foresti, Ricardo José Gunski, Analía Del Valle Garnero, Thomas Liehr, Edivaldo Herculano Corra de Oliveira, Thales Renato Ochotorena de Freitas, Marcelo de Bello Cioffi
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2024
• Subjects: Charadriidae; chromosome evolution; constitutive heterochromatin; sex chromosomes; repetitive DNA; Genetics; QH426-470; Calidris canutus
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.3390/genes15020258; https://doaj.org/article/cfe885cc1aeb4d8584c27813f6d78876

Vanellus (Charadriidae; Charadriiformes) comprises around 20 species commonly referred to as lapwings. In this study, by integrating cytogenetic and genomic approaches, we assessed the satellite DNA (satDNA) composition of one typical species, Vanellus chilensis , with a highly conserved karyotype. We additionally underlined its role in the evolution, structure, and differentiation process of the present ZW sex chromosome system. Seven distinct satellite DNA families were identified within its genome, accumulating on the centromeres, microchromosomes, and the W chromosome. However, these identified satellite DNA families were not found in two other Charadriiformes members, namely Jacana jacana and Calidris canutus . The hybridization of microsatellite sequences revealed the presence of a few repetitive sequences in V. chilensis , with only two out of sixteen displaying positive hybridization signals. Overall, our results contribute to understanding the genomic organization and satDNA evolution in Charadriiform birds.