Biology subjects

Hribova, E.

Publications and source records attributed to Hribova, E..

4 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2020

Anatomy and transcription dynamics of wheat ribosomal RNA loci revealed by optical mapping and RNA sequencing

Background and AimsThree out of four RNA components of ribosomes are encoded by 45S rDNA loci, whose transcripts are processed into 18S, 5.8S and 26S ribosomal RNAs. The loci are organized as long head-to-tail tandem arrays of nearly identical units spanning over several megabases of sequence. Due to this peculiar structure, the number of rRNA genes, their sequence composition and expression status remain unclear, especially in complex polyploid genomes harbouring multiple loci. Here we conducted a complex study to decipher structure and activity of both major and minor rRNA loci in hexaploid bread wheat (Triticum aestivum). MethodsWe employed an original, multi-omics approach, combining chromosome flow sorting and optical mapping with transcriptome and methylome sequencing. Key ResultsThe former two techniques enabled unbiased quantification of rDNA units in particular loci of the wheat genome. Total number of rRNA genes organized in tandem arrays was 4388, with 64.1, 31.4, 3.9 and 0.7% located in short arms of chromosomes 6B, 1B, 5D and 1A, respectively. At the expression level, only 1B and 6B loci contributed to transcription at roughly 2:1 ratio. The 1B:6B ratio varied among five analysed tissues (embryo, coleoptile, root tip, primary leaf, mature leaf), being the highest (2.64:1) in mature leaf and lowest (1.72:1) in coleoptile. Cytosine methylation was considerably higher in CHG contexts in the silenced 5D locus compared to the active 1B and 6B loci. ConclusionsA fine genomic organization and tissue-specific expression of rRNA loci were deciphered, for the first time, in a complex polyploid species. We documented various mechanisms of rRNA dosage control, including gene elimination and stable inactivation related to nucleolar subdominance of A and D-genome loci, and a subtle, developmentally regulated silencing of one of the major loci. The results are discussed in the context of wheat evolution and transcription regulation.

genomics↗

bioRxiv2020

Chromosome painting in cultivated banana and their wild relatives (Musa spp.) reveals differences in chromosome structure

Edible banana cultivars are diploid, triploid or tetraploid hybrids which originated by natural cross hybridization between subspecies of diploid Musa acuminata, or between M. acuminata and diploid M. balbisiana. Participation of two other wild diploid species M. schizocarpa and M. textilis was also indicated by molecular studies. Fusion of gametes with structurally different chromosome sets may give rise to progenies with structural chromosome heterozygosity and reduced fertility due to aberrant chromosome pairing and unbalanced chromosome segregation. Only a few translocations have been classified on the genomic level so far and a comprehensive molecular cytogenetic characterization of cultivars and species of the family Musaceae is still lacking. FISH with chromosome-arm specific oligo painting probes was used for comparative karyotype analysis in a set of wild Musa species and edible banana clones. The results revealed large differences in chromosome structure discriminating individual accessions. These results permitted identification of putative progenitors of cultivated clones and clarified genomic constitution and evolution of aneuploid banana clones, which seem to be common among the polyploid banana accessions. New insights into the chromosome organization and structural chromosome changes will be a valuable asset in breeding programs, particularly in selection of appropriate parents for cross hybridization. HighlightOligo painting FISH revealed chromosomal translocations in subspecies of Musa acuminata (A genome), their intra-specific hybrids as well as in M. balbisiana (B genome) and in interspecific hybrid clones originating from cross hybridization between M. acuminata and M. balbisiana

plant biology↗

bioRxiv2020

Fonio millet genome unlocks African orphan crop diversity for agriculture in a changing climate

Sustainable food production in the context of climate change necessitates diversification of agriculture and a more efficient utilization of plant genetic resources. Fonio millet (Digitaria exilis) is an orphan African cereal crop with a great potential for dryland agriculture. Here, we established high-quality genomic resources to facilitate fonio improvement through molecular breeding. These include a chromosome-scale reference assembly and deep re-sequencing of 183 cultivated and wild Digitaria accessions, enabling insights into genetic diversity, population structure, and domestication. Fonio diversity is shaped by climatic, geographic, and ethnolinguistic factors. Two genes associated with seed size and shattering showed signatures of selection. Most known domestication genes from other cereal models however have not experienced strong selection in fonio, providing direct targets to rapidly improve this crop for agriculture in hot and dry environments.

plant biology↗

bioRxiv2020

DNA replication and chromosome positioning throughout the interphase in three-dimensional space of plant nuclei

Despite the recent progress, our understanding of the principles of plant genome organization and its dynamics in three-dimensional space of interphase nuclei remains limited. In this study, DNA replication timing and interphase chromosome positioning was analyzed in seven Poaceae species differing in genome size. A multidisciplinary approach combining newly replicated DNA labelling by EdU, nuclei sorting by flow cytometry, three-dimensional immuno-FISH, and confocal microscopy revealed similar replication timing order for telomeres and centromeres as well as for euchromatin and heterochromatin in all seven species. The Rabl configuration of chromosomes that lay parallel to each other and their centromeres and telomeres are localized at opposite nuclear poles, was observed in wheat, oat, rye and barley with large genomes, as well as in Brachypodium with a small genome. On the other hand, chromosomes of rice with a small genome and maize with relatively large genome did not assume proper Rabl configuration. In all species, the interphase chromosome positioning inferred from the location of centromeres and telomeres was stable throughout the interphase. These observations extend earlier studies indicating a more complex relation between genome size and interphase chromosome positioning, which is controlled by factors currently not known. HighlightTelomere and centromere replication timing and interphase chromosome positioning in seven grass species differing in genome size indicates a more complex relation between genome size and the chromosome positioning.

plant biology↗