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bioRxiv · 10.64898/2026.01.20.700498

Deciphering chromosome fusion in D. miranda's neo-sex chromosome through single-copy and repetitive oligo probes

Bruno, H.·Almeida, I.·D. Vibranovski, M.
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Abstract

Drosophila miranda is considered an excellent model for studying sex chromosome evolution due to its neo-sex chromosomes, which originated from fusions between autosomes and sex chromosomes. In this study, we took advantage of the latest genome assembly of D. miranda to design the first oligo probe libraries targeting neo-sex chromosomes, covering X and Y-linked regions with times ranging from [~]1.5 to 60 million years. These libraries, which include both single-copy and repetitive oligos, were generated by integrating the OligoY approach to the conventional OligoMiner pipeline and validated through fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). We optimized oligo density and spacing parameters to predict consistent and effective chromosome painting. Beyond tool improvement, our mapping of the three largest unplaced Y-linked scaffolds in D. miranda reveals a complex evolutionary mechanism driving the current structure of the Y chromosome, including chromosomal translocation, centromere loss, and inversions. This work provides essential tools for sex chromosome identification via probe labeling and offers a foundation for exploring the spatial and evolutionary dynamics of sex chromosomes across different cell types. Author summaryWhile previous studies have focused on using single-copy oligonucleotides for chromosome painting, these oligos have limited effectiveness in targeting repetitive regions such as ribosomal DNA, pericentromeres, and mainly Y chromosomes. In this study, we integrated the OligoMiner and OligoY pipelines to design highly specific oligonucleotide libraries capable of targeting both single-copy and repetitive regions in any chromosome, enabling comprehensive painting of autosome and sex chromosomes. Using Drosophila miranda neo-sex chromosomes as a model, we validated the specificity of our oligo libraries through fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Our results demonstrate that it is possible to achieve successful chromosome painting of sex chromosomes ranging from 1.5 to 60 million years old by combining single-copy and repetitive oligos, without compromising specificity. Notably, we painted the neo-Y chromosome of D. miranda and proposed a hypothesis to give rise to its current structure. This approach provides a powerful tool for studying chromosome evolution and organization, particularly in complex and repetitive genomic regions.

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Bruno, H., Almeida, I., D. Vibranovski, M.. 2026-01-22. Deciphering chromosome fusion in D. miranda's neo-sex chromosome through single-copy and repetitive oligo probes. https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.01.20.700498

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