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  • Accepted Manuscript: Microchromosomes Exhibit Distinct Features of Vertebrate Chromosome Structure and Function with Underappreciated Ramifications for Genome Evolution
Title: Microchromosomes Exhibit Distinct Features of Vertebrate Chromosome Structure and Function with Underappreciated Ramifications for Genome Evolution
Abstract Microchromosomes are common yet poorly understood components of many vertebrate genomes. Recent studies have revealed that microchromosomes contain a high density of genes and possess other distinct characteristics compared with macrochromosomes. Whether distinctive characteristics of microchromosomes extend to features of genome structure and organization, however, remains an open question. Here, we analyze Hi-C sequencing data from multiple vertebrate lineages and show that microchromosomes exhibit consistently high degrees of interchromosomal interaction (particularly with other microchromosomes), appear to be colocalized to a common central nuclear territory, and are comprised of a higher proportion of open chromatin than macrochromosomes. These findings highlight an unappreciated level of diversity in vertebrate genome structure and function, and raise important questions regarding the evolutionary origins and ramifications of microchromosomes and the genes that they house.
Authors:
; ; ;
Editors:
Arkhipova, Irina
Award ID(s):
1655735 1655571
Publication Date:
NSF-PAR ID:
10223584
Journal Name:
Molecular Biology and Evolution
Volume:
38
Issue:
3
Page Range or eLocation-ID:
904 to 910
ISSN:
1537-1719
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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