The role of repetitive DNA in structure and evolution of sex chromosomes in plants

Časopis: HEREDITY 102, 533-541
Autoři: Kejnovsky, E., Hobza, R., Cermak, T., Kubat, Z., Vyskot, B.
Rok: 2009

Abstrakt

Eukaryotic genomes contain a large proportion of repetitive DNA sequences, mostly transposable elements (TEs) and tandem repeats. These repetitive sequences often colonize specific chromosomal (Y or W chromosomes, B chromosomes) or subchromosomal (telomeres, centromeres) niches. Sex chromosomes, especially non-recombining regions of the Y chromosome, are subject to different evolutionary forces compared with autosomes. In non-recombining regions of the Y chromosome repetitive DNA sequences are accumulated, representing a dominant and early process forming the Y chromosome, probably before genes start to degenerate. Here we review the occurrence and role of repetitive DNA in Y chromosome evolution in various species with a focus on dioecious plants. We also discuss the potential link between recombination and transposition in shaping genomes. Heredity (2009) 102, 533-541; doi:10.1038/hdy.2009.17; published online 11 March 2009