The burst of satellite DNA in Leptidea wood white butterflies and their putative role in karyotype evolution.

ABSTRACT: Satellite DNAs (satDNAs) are abundant components of eukaryotic genomes, playing pivotal roles in chromosomal organization, genome stability, and evolution. Here, we combined cytogenetic and genomic methods to characterize the satDNAs in the genomes of Leptidea butterflies. Leptidea is characterized by the presence of a high heterochromatin content, large genomes, and extensive chromosomal reshuffling as well as the occurrence of cryptic species. We show that, in contrast to other Lepidoptera, satDNAs constitute a considerable proportion of Leptidea genomes, ranging between 4.11% and 11.05%. This amplification of satDNAs, together with the hyperactivity of transposable elements, contributes to the substantial genome expansion in Leptidea. Using chromosomal mapping, we show that, particularl

SUBMITTER: Cabral-de-Mello DC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11565590 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature