DNA content in Eurasian sturgeon species determined by flow cytometry

Effect of titanium dioxide nanoparticle (TiO2-NP) exposure in a novel Amur sturgeon Acipenser schrenckii hepatocyte cell line

In vitro cell culture is crucial for predicting the toxicity of titanium dioxide nanoparticle (TiO2-NP). However, assessing the toxicity of TiO2-NPs in sturgeon remains difficult given the lack of sufficient cell lines. We established and characterized the first hepatocyte cell line from Acipenser schrenckii liver tissue (ASL). This ASL cell line proliferated well in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium at 25°C and 10% fetal bovine serum. ASL cells with a chromosome number of 244 were successfully transfected with the pEGFP-N3 plasmid. The ASL cell line's origin was verified as A. schrenckii through mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase I and mitochondrial 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) sequencing. Using the ASL cell line as an in vitro model, we found that TiO2-NP exposure decreased the viability and promoted the damage of ASL cells (96-h LC50 = 331.8 μg mL-1). Increased reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde levels in ASL cells suggested oxidative stress under TiO2-NP exposure. We also observed dysregulation of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels. By detecting calcium ions and mitochondrial membrane potential indicators, we found that the apoptotic pathway induced by endoplasmic reticulum stress played a major role at low concentrations of TiO2-NP-induced stress. Both mitochondria-mediated and endoplasmic reticulum stress promoted apoptosis under increasing TiO2-NP concentrations. In conclusion, the ASL cell line established in this study is a useful in vitro model for toxicological studies of TiO2-NP exposure in fish.

Evolutionary conservation of maternal RNA localization in fishes and amphibians revealed by TOMO-Seq

Asymmetrical localization of biomolecules inside the egg, results in uneven cell division and establishment of many biological processes, cell types and the body plan. However, our knowledge about evolutionary conservation of localized transcripts is still limited to a few models. Our goal was to compare localization profiles along the animal-vegetal axis of mature eggs from four vertebrate models, two amphibians (Xenopus laevis, Ambystoma mexicanum) and two fishes (Acipenser ruthenus, Danio rerio) using the spatial expression method called TOMO-Seq. We revealed that RNAs of many known important transcripts such as germ layer determinants, germ plasm factors and members of key signalling pathways, are localized in completely different profiles among the models. It was also observed that there was a poor correlation between the vegetally localized transcripts but a relatively good correlation between the animally localized transcripts. These findings indicate that the regulation of embryonic development within the animal kingdom is highly diverse and cannot be deduced based on a single model.

Simple Field Storage of Fish Samples for Measurement of DNA Content by Flow Cytometry

Flow cytometry is an effective and widely used tool for determination of ploidy in fish, but it is not always possible to access the fresh samples for analysis. We investigated the potential for extended storage of fish tissue with sterlet and tench as representative species of Chondrostei and Teleostei, using blood and fin of subadult/adult specimens and tail of larvae. Thirteen procedures for extending storage, selected for rapidity and simplicity in both field and laboratory conditions, were tested for each tissue sample. Flow cytometry was applied to fresh tissue immediately after sampling and to tissue subjected to experimental protocols, always along with species-specific standard, after 1, 5, and 10 days storage at 0-4°C or freezing at -80°C. The fluorochrome 4',6-diamidine-2'-phenylindole dihydrochloride was used with excitation/emission maximum 358/461 nm. Based on the measurability of stored samples, evaluation of directly measured coefficients of variation of their DNA peaks and the changes in fluorescence intensity compared to fresh tissue, optimal procedures for extended storage of the selected tissue types of the model species are suggested. © 2020 The Authors. Cytometry Part A published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. on behalf of International Society for Advancement of Cytometry.

Transcriptome profiles of sturgeon lateral line electroreceptor and mechanoreceptor during regeneration

Background

The electrosensory ampullary organs (AOs) and mechanosensory neuromasts (NMs) found in sturgeon and some other non-neopterygian fish or amphibians are both originated from lateral line placodes. However, these two sensory organs have characteristic morphological and physiological differences. The molecular mechanisms for the specification of AOs and NMs are not clearly understood.

Results

We sequenced the transcriptome for neomycin treated sturgeon AOs and NMs in the early regeneration stages, and de novo assembled a sturgeon transcriptome. By comparing the gene expression differences among untreated AOs, NMs and general epithelia (EPs), we located some specific genes for these two sensory organs. In sturgeon lateral line, the voltage-gated calcium channels and voltage-gated potassium channels were predominant calcium and potassium channel subtypes, respectively. And by correlating gene expression with the regeneration process, we predicated several candidate key transcriptional regulation related genes might be involved in AOs and NMs regeneration.

Conclusions

Genes with specific expression in the two lateral line sensory organs suggests their important roles in mechanoreceptor and electroreceptor formation. The candidate transcriptional regulation related genes may be important for mechano- and electro- receptor specification, in a “dosage-related” manner. These results suggested the molecular basis for specification of these two sensory organs in sturgeon.

Ploidy Levels and Fitness-Related Traits in Purebreds and Hybrids Originating from Sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus) and Unusual Ploidy Levels of Siberian Sturgeon (A. baerii)

The present study aimed to investigate and compare fitness-related traits and ploidy levels of purebreds and hybrids produced from sturgeon broodstock with both normal and abnormal ploidy levels. We used diploid Acipenser ruthenus and tetraploid A. baerii males and females to produce purebreds and reciprocal hybrids of normal ploidy levels. Likewise, we used diploid A. ruthenus and tetraploid A. baerii females mated to pentaploid and hexaploid A. baerii males to produce hybrids of abnormal ploidy levels. Fertilization of ova of A. ruthenus and A. baerii of normal ploidy with the sperm of pentaploid and hexaploid A. baerii produced fully viable progeny with ploidy levels that were intermediate between those of the parents as was also found in crosses of purebreds and reciprocal hybrids of normal ploidy levels. The A. ruthenus × pentaploid A. baerii and A. ruthenus × hexaploid A. baerii hybrids did not survive after 22 days post-hatch (dph). Mean body weight and cumulative survival were periodically checked at seven-time intervals. The recorded values of mean body weight were significantly higher in A. baerii × pentaploid A. baerii hybrids than other groups at three sampling points (160, 252 and 330 dph). In contrast, the highest cumulative survival was observed in A. baerii × A. ruthenus hybrids at all sampling points (14.47 ± 5.70 at 497 dph). Overall, most of the studied sturgeon hybrids displayed higher mean BW and cumulative survival compared to the purebreds. The utilization of sturgeon hybrids should be restricted to aquaculture purposes because they can pose a significant genetic threat to native populations through ecological interactions.

Draft Genome and Complete Hox-Cluster Characterization of the Sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus)

Background: Sturgeons (Chondrostei: Acipenseridae) are a group of “living fossil” fishes at a basal position among Actinopteri. They have raised great public interest due to their special evolutionary position, species conservation challenges, as well as their highly-prized eggs (caviar). The sterlet, Acipenser ruthenus, is a relatively small-sized member of sturgeons and has been widely distributing in both Europe and Asia. In this study, we performed whole genome sequencing, de novo assembly and gene annotation of the tarlet to construct its draft genome.

Findings: We finally obtained a 1.83-Gb genome assembly (BUSCO completeness of 81.6%) from a total of 316.8-Gb raw reads generated by an Illumina Hiseq 2500 platform. The scaffold N50 and contig N50 values reached 191.06 and 18.88 kb, respectively. The sterlet genome was predicted to be comprised of 42.84% repeated sequences and to contain 22,184 protein-coding genes, of which 21,112 (95.17%) have been functionally annotated with at least one hit in public databases. A genetic phylogeny demonstrated that the sterlet is situated in the basal position among ray-finned fishes and 4dTv analysis estimated that a recent whole genome duplication occurred 21.3 million years ago. Moreover, seven Hox clusters carrying 68 Hox genes were characterized in the sterlet. Phylogeny of HoxA clusters in the sterlet and American paddlefish divided these sturgeons into two groups, confirming the independence of each lineage-specific genome duplication in Acipenseridae and Polyodontidae.

Conclusions: This draft genome makes up for the lack of genomic and molecular data of the sterlet and its Hox clusters. It also provides a genetic basis for further investigation of lineage-specific genome duplication and the early evolution of ray-finned fishes.

Establishment of a novel testicular cell line from sterlet Acipenser ruthenus and evaluation of its applications

In this study, a cell line, designated as Acipenser ruthenus testis (ART), was successfully established from testis tissues of the sterlet Acipenser ruthenus and characterized by studying and comparing the expression of specific genes between the cell line and the parent gonad tissues. The results suggested that the developed ART cell line was composed of a mixture of germ cells and somatic cells. Ploidy analysis indicated that the cell line exhibited a high degree of genetic stability and that the cells remained in a good proliferating state after being subcultured to passage 80.

Paternity assignment in the polyploid Acipenser dabryanus based on a novel microsatellite marker system

Acipenser dabryanus is listed as a Critical Endangered species in the IUCN Red List and the first class protected animals in China. Fortunately, A. dabryanus specimens are being successfully bred in captivity for conservation. However, for effective ex situ conservation, we should be aware of the genetic diversity and the degree of relatedness of the individuals selected for breeding. In this study, we aimed at the development of novel and reliable microsatellites used for the genetic study of A. dabryanus. A total of 14,321 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were detected by transcriptome sequencing and screening. We selected 20 novel and polymorphic microsatellites (non-dinucleotide) with good repeatability from the 100 tested loci for a subsequent genetic and paternity study. A set of captive broodstock (F1 stock, n = 43) and their offspring (F2 stock, n = 96) were used to examine the efficiency of the 20 SSRs for assigning parentage to offspring, with an allocation success of 91.7%. We also found that only a few families predominantly contributed to the progeny produced by the 43 breeders. In addition, mitochondrial DNA data showed that the captive broodstock (F1 individuals) had an excellent probability of the same lineage, implying that a high level of inbreeding may have occurred in these individuals. Our research provides useful information on genetic diversity and reproductive pattern of A. dabryanus, and the 20 SSRs developed in this study can be applied to the future breeding program to avoid inbreeding for this stock or other related species of Acipenseriformes.

Molecular cytogenetic differentiation of paralogs of Hox paralogs in duplicated and re-diploidized genome of the North American paddlefish (Polyodon spathula)

Background

Acipenseriformes is a basal lineage of ray-finned fishes and comprise 27 extant species of sturgeons and paddlefishes. They are characterized by several specific genomic features as broad ploidy variation, high chromosome numbers, presence of numerous microchromosomes and propensity to interspecific hybridization. The presumed palaeotetraploidy of the American paddlefish was recently validated by molecular phylogeny and Hox genes analyses. A whole genome duplication in the paddlefish lineage was estimated at approximately 42 Mya and was found to be independent from several genome duplications evidenced in its sister lineage, i.e. sturgeons. We tested the ploidy status of available chromosomal markers after the expected rediploidization. Further we tested, whether paralogs of Hox gene clusters originated from this paddlefish specific genome duplication are cytogenetically distinguishable.

Results

We found that both paralogs HoxA alpha and beta were distinguishable without any overlapping of the hybridization signal - each on one pair of large metacentric chromosomes. Of the HoxD, only the beta paralog was unequivocally identified, whereas the alpha paralog did not work and yielded only an inconclusive diffuse signal. Chromosomal markers on three diverse ploidy levels reflecting different stages of rediploidization were identified: quadruplets retaining their ancestral tetraploid condition, semi-quadruplets still reflecting the ancestral tetraploidy with clear signs of advanced rediploidization, doublets were diploidized with ancestral tetraploidy already blurred. Also some of the available microsatellite data exhibited diploid allelic band patterns at their loci whereas another locus showed more than two alleles.

Conclusions

Our exhaustive staining of paddlefish chromosomes combined with cytogenetic mapping of ribosomal genes and Hox paralogs and with microsatellite data, brings a closer look at results of the process of rediploidization in the course of paddlefish genome evolution. We show a partial rediploidization represented by a complex mosaic structure comparable with segmental paleotetraploidy revealed in sturgeons (Acipenseridae). Sturgeons and paddlefishes with their high propensity for whole genome duplication thus offer suitable animal model systems to further explore evolutionary processes that were shaping the early evolution of all vertebrates.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12863-017-0484-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Fertilization success of sterlet Acipenser ruthenus and Siberian sturgeon Acipenser baerii gametes under conditions of heterospecific mating

Species may be prevented from interspecific hybridization by a number of different reproductive barriers that operate precopulatory and postcopulatory. In situation, when natural precopulatory reproductive barriers are affected by anthropogenic factors, postcopulatory reproductive barriers may be important for maintaining gametic isolation and hence preventing interspecific hybridization. This is highly topical in sturgeon (order Acipenseriformes) which exhibits remarkable ease of interspecific hybridization. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the fertilization success of Acipenser ruthenus and Acipenser baerii spermatozoa under the interspecific competitive conditions and assessed, whether their spermatozoa tend to differentially fertilize eggs of conspecifics. We set up several in vitro fertilization experiments: (i) pooled eggs of both species were fertilized by sperm of each species separately; (ii) eggs of each species were fertilized by pooled sperm; (iii) pooled eggs were fertilized by pooled sperm and (iv) purebred and hybrid control groups. Using parental assignment by molecular markers, we found that when these species competed in pooled sperm, 78.9% of progeny were sired by A. ruthenus and 21.1% by A. baerii, demonstrating higher fertilization success for the former, irrespective of conspecificity of fertilized eggs. When pooled eggs were inseminated by A. ruthenus or A. baerii sperm separately, progeny almost equally comprised hybrid and purebred individuals. Hence, neither A. ruthenus nor A. baerii eggs showed a tendency to biased fertilization by spermatozoa of conspecific males. These findings together show that there may not be postcopulatory mechanisms preventing hybridization between A. ruthenus and A. baerii.

Discovery and identification of candidate sex-related genes based on transcriptome sequencing of Russian sturgeon (Acipenser gueldenstaedtii) gonads

As the Russian sturgeon (Acipenser gueldenstaedtii) is an important food and is the main source of caviar, it is necessary to discover the genes associated with its sex differentiation. However, the complicated life and maturity cycles of the Russian sturgeon restrict the accurate identification of sex in early development. To generate a first look at specific sex-related genes, we sequenced the transcriptome of gonads in different development stages (1, 2, and 5 yr old stages) with next-generation RNA sequencing. We generated >60 million raw reads, and the filtered reads were assembled into 263,341 contigs, which produced 38,505 unigenes. Genes involved in signal transduction mechanisms were the most abundant, suggesting that development of sturgeon gonads is under control of signal transduction mechanisms. Differentially expressed gene analysis suggests that more genes for protein synthesis, cytochrome c oxidase subunits, and ribosomal proteins were expressed in female gonads than in male. Meanwhile, male gonads expressed more transposable element transposase, reverse transcriptase, and transposase-related genes than female. In total, 342, 782, and 7,845 genes were detected in intersex, male, and female transcriptomes, respectively. The female gonad expressed more genes than the male gonad, and more genes were involved in female gonadal development. Genes (sox9, foxl2) are differentially expressed in different sexes and may be important sex-related genes in Russian sturgeon. Sox9 genes are responsible for the development of male gonads and foxl2 for female gonads.

The second highest chromosome count among vertebrates is observed in cultured sturgeon and is associated with genome plasticity

BACKGROUND

One of the five basal actinopterygian lineages, the Chondrostei, including sturgeon, shovelnose, and paddlefish (Order Acipenseriformes) show extraordinary ploidy diversity associated with three rounds of lineage-specific whole-genome duplication, resulting in three levels of ploidy in sturgeon. Recently, incidence of spontaneous polyploidization has been reported among cultured sturgeon and it could have serious negative implications for the economics of sturgeon farming. We report the occurrence of seven spontaneous heptaploid (7n) Siberian sturgeon Acipenser baerii, which is a functional tetraploid species (4n) with ~245 chromosomes. Our aims were to assess ploidy level and chromosome number of the analysed specimens and to identify the possible mechanism that underlies the occurrence of spontaneous additional chromosome sets in their genome.

RESULTS

Among 150 specimens resulting from the mating of a tetraploid (4n) A. baerii (~245 chromosomes) dam with a hexaploid (6n) A. baerii (~368 chromosomes) sire, 143 displayed a relative DNA content that corresponds to pentaploidy (5n) with an absolute DNA content of 8.98 ± 0.03 pg DNA per nucleus and nuclear area of 35.3 ± 4.3 μm(2) and seven specimens exhibited a relative DNA content that corresponds to heptaploidy (7n), with an absolute DNA content of 15.02 ± 0.04 pg DNA per nucleus and nuclear area of 48.4 ± 5.1 μm(2). Chromosome analyses confirmed a modal number of ~437 chromosomes in these heptaploid (7n) individuals. DNA genotyping of eight microsatellite loci followed by parental assignment confirmed spontaneous duplication of the maternal chromosome sets via retention of the second polar body in meiosis II as the mechanism for the formation of this unusual chromosome number and ploidy level in a functional tetraploid A. baerii.

CONCLUSIONS

We report the second highest chromosome count among vertebrates in cultured sturgeon (~437) after the schizothoracine cyprinid Ptychobarbus dipogon with ~446 chromosomes. The finding also represents the highest documented chromosome count in Acipenseriformes, and the first report of a functional heptaploid (7n) genome composition in sturgeon. To our knowledge, this study provides the first clear evidence of a maternal origin for spontaneous polyploidization in cultured A. baerii. To date, all available data indicate that spontaneous polyploidization occurs frequently among cultured sturgeons.

High-throughput SNP-genotyping analysis of the relationships among Ponto-Caspian sturgeon species

Legally certified sturgeon fisheries require population protection and conservation methods, including DNA tests to identify the source of valuable sturgeon roe. However, the available genetic data are insufficient to distinguish between different sturgeon populations, and are even unable to distinguish between some species. We performed high-throughput single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-genotyping analysis on different populations of Russian (Acipenser gueldenstaedtii), Persian (A. persicus), and Siberian (A. baerii) sturgeon species from the Caspian Sea region (Volga and Ural Rivers), the Azov Sea, and two Siberian rivers. We found that Russian sturgeons from the Volga and Ural Rivers were essentially indistinguishable, but they differed from Russian sturgeons in the Azov Sea, and from Persian and Siberian sturgeons. We identified eight SNPs that were sufficient to distinguish these sturgeon populations with 80% confidence, and allowed the development of markers to distinguish sturgeon species. Finally, on the basis of our SNP data, we propose that the A. baerii-like mitochondrial DNA found in some Russian sturgeons from the Caspian Sea arose via an introgression event during the Pleistocene glaciation.

In the present study, the high-throughput genotyping analysis of several sturgeon populations was performed. SNP markers for species identification were defined. The possible explanation of the baerii-like mitotype presence in some Russian sturgeons in the Caspian Sea was suggested.

Fertility of a spontaneous hexaploid male Siberian sturgeon, Acipenser baerii

BACKGROUND

Evolution of sturgeons and paddlefishes (order Acipenseriformes) is inherently connected with polyploidization events which resulted in differentiation of ploidy levels and chromosome numbers of present acipenseriform species. Moreover, allopolyploidization as well as autopolyploidization seems to be an ongoing process in these fishes and individuals with abnormal ploidy levels were occasionally observed within sturgeon populations. Here, we reported occurrence of Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii) male with abnormal ploidy level for this species, accessed its ploidy level and chromosome number and investigate its potential sterility or fertility in comparison with normal individuals of sterlet (A. ruthenus), Russian sturgeon (A. gueldenstaedtii) and Siberian sturgeon (A. baerii).

RESULTS

Acipenser ruthenus possessed 120 chromosomes, exhibiting recent diploidy (2n), A. gueldenstaedtii and A. baerii had ~245 chromosomes representing recent tetraploidy (4n), and A. baerii male with abnormal ploidy level had ~ 368 chromosomes, indicating recent hexaploidy (6n). Genealogy assessed from the mtDNA control region did not reveal genome markers of other sturgeon species and this individual was supposed to originate from spontaneous 1.5 fold increment in number of chromosome sets with respect to the number most frequently found in nature for this species. Following hormone stimulation, the spontaneous hexaploid male produced normal sperm with ability for fertilization. Fertilization of A. baerii and A. gueldenstaedtii ova from normal 4n level females with sperm of the hexaploid male produced viable, non-malformed pentaploid (5n) progeny with a ploidy level intermediate to those of the parents.

CONCLUSION

This study firstly described occurrence of hexaploid individual of A. baerii and confirmed its autopolyploid origin. In addition to that, the first detailed evidence about fertility of spontaneous hexaploid sturgeon was provided. If 1.5 fold increment in number of chromosome sets occurring in diploids, resulted triploids possess odd number of chromosome sets causing their sterility or subfertility due to interference of gametogenesis. In contrast, 1.5 fold increment in number of chromosome sets in naturally tetraploid A. baerii resulted in even number of chromosome sets and therefore in fertility of the hexaploid specimen under study.

Evidence of hexaploid karyotype in shortnose sturgeon

A karyotype analysis by several staining techniques was carried out on triplicate samples of the shortnose sturgeon, Acipenser brevirostrum. The chromosome number was found to be 2n = 372 +/- 6. A representative karyotype of 374 chromosomes was composed of 178 metacentrics/submetacentrics and 196 telocentrics/acrocentrics and microchromosomes. The signals of fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) with a HindIII satellite DNA probe were visible on 14 chromosomes. The signals obtained with a PstI satellite DNA probe appeared on 12 chromosomes. The FISH with a 5S rDNA probe revealed fluorescent signals on 6 chromosomes. These last results, compared with 2 signals in species with about 120 chromosomes and 4 in species with 240, support the hypothesis that A. brevirostrum is a hexaploid species, probably of hybrid origin. Based on these results, we propose a model explaining speciation events occurring in sturgeons by hybridization, genome duplication, and diploidization.

DNA index, genome size, and electronic nuclear volume of vertebrates from the Miami Metro Zoo

BACKGROUND

Flow cytometry is a rapid and reliable method for measuring nuclear DNA content and genome size. Fluorochrome binding characteristics, sample preparation and differences in DNA condensation, and availability of binding sites can cause variations in results obtained.

METHODS

Blood samples from 82 vertebrate species were collected in 10% dimethyl sulfoxide and stained with propidium iodide/hypotonic citrate or 4,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole dihydrochloride for analysis of DNA content and electronic nuclear volume (ENV). Trout red blood cells (TRBCs), human peripheral blood lymphocytes, and human buccal cavity cells were used as internal standards.

RESULTS

Mean fluorescence channel (MFC) values of TRBC and buccal cavity cells used as internal standards were stable at 15 to 120 min of propidium iodide staining. TRBCs mixed with other cells especially human peripheral blood cells showed an increase in MFC. ENV and MCF values were less variable in different species of birds than in reptiles or mammals. Genome size based on use of buccal cavity cells as the internal standard showed a high degree of correlation with previous reports.

CONCLUSIONS

Proper selection and use of internal standards and sample preparation are essential for reliable determination of DNA content and genome size in vertebrates by flow cytometry.

Metamorphosis in Xenopus laevis is not associated with large-scale nuclear DNA content variation

Amphibian metamorphosis is a complex process that has been speculated to involve DNA amplification and chromatin rearrangement. While recent studies have concentrated on chromatin rearrangement, only a few studies have dealt with variation in the amount of DNA during amphibian metamorphosis. In this study, nuclei were isolated from Xenopus laevis at various developmental stages. The nuclei were examined in both an unfixed state and a fixed state. The nuclei were stained with propidium iodide and analyzed by flow cytometry to determine their fluorescence intensity. The unfixed nuclei had higher fluorescence variation compared with the fixed nuclei. This increase in variation appeared due to the presence of nuclei of variable fluorescence intensity within the unfixed nuclei. Upon optimum fixation, which has been speculated to result in more homogeneous chromatin conformation and to reduce staining artifacts, the nuclei were observed to have less fluorescence intensity variation. The differential fluorescence observed in this study is consistent with the hypothesis that large-scale intra-individual DNA variation is not associated with amphibian metamorphosis.

In vivo genotoxicity of atrazine to anuran larvae

Atrazine has been an environmental contaminant for more than two decades. While there can be little dispute as to the presence of atrazine in non-target watersheds, the debate has centered on the consequences of this contamination. The purpose of this study was to determine if atrazine is genotoxic to developing anurans. Anurans are one of the groups that have the highest potential for being affected by watershed contamination. In initial studies, larvae from two anuran species were exposed to known genotoxic agents. Upon flow cytometric analysis, those organisms exposed to the genotoxic agents resulted in a statistically significant increase in nuclear heterogeneity. Having demonstrated that flow cytometric analysis could be used to detect genotoxicity in anuran larvae, the larvae of the two species were exposed to different levels of atrazine for various durations. The concentrations and lengths of exposure were consistent (albeit on the higher side) with conditions found in the Midwestern US. In neither species was an increase in nuclear heterogeneity observed. Thus, atrazine at levels and time of exposure representing conditions found contaminating Midwestern watersheds does not appear to be genotoxic to developing anurans.

Genetic heterogeneity and ploidy level analysis among different gynogenetic clones of the polyploid gibel carp

BACKGROUND

Some triploid and tetraploid clones have been identified in the gynogenetic gibel carp, Carassius auratus gibelio Bloch, by karyotypic and cytologic analyses over many years. Further, 5-20% males and karyotypic diversity have been found among their natural and artificial populations. However, the DNA contents and the relation to their ploidy level and chromosome numbers have not been ascertained, and whether normal meiosis occurs in spermatogenesis needs to be determined in the different clones.

METHODS

The sampled blood cells or sperms were mixed with blood cells from chicken or individual gibel carp and fixed in 70% pre-cooled ethanol overnight at 4 degrees C. The mixed cell pellets were washed 2-3 times in 1x phosphate buffered saline and then resuspended in the solution containing 0.5% pepsin and 0.1 M HCl. DNA was stained with propidium iodide solution (40 microg/mL) containing 4 kU/ml RNase. The measurements of DNA contents were performed with Phoenix Flow Systems.

RESULTS

Triploid clones A, E, F, and P had almost equal DNA content, but triploid clone D had greater DNA content than did the other four triploid clones. DNA content of clone M (7.01 +/- 0.15 pg/nucleus) was almost equal to the DNA content of clone D (5.38 +/- 0.06 pg/nucleus) plus the DNA content of common carp sperm (1.64 +/- 0.02 pg/nucleus). The DNA contents of sperms from clones A, P, and D were half of their blood cells, suggesting that normal meiosis occurs in spermatogenesis.

CONCLUSIONS

Flow cytometry is a powerful method to analyze genetic heterogeneity and ploidy level among different gynogenetic clones of polyploid gibel carp. Through this study, four questions have been answered. (a) The DNA content correlation among the five triploid clones and one multiple tetraploid clone was revealed in the gibel carp, and the contents increased with not only the ploidy level but also the chromosome number. (b) Mean DNA content was 0.052 pg in six extra chromosomes of clone D, which was higher than that of each chromosome in clones A, E, F, and P (about 0.032 pg/chromosome). This means that the six extra chromosomes are larger chromosomes. (c) Normal meiosis occurred during spermatogenesis of the gibel carp, because DNA contents of the sperms from clones A, P, and D were almost half of that in their blood cells. (d) Multiple tetraploid clone M (7.01 +/- 0.15 pg/nucleus) contained the complete genome of clone D (5.38 +/- 0.06 pg/nucleus) and the genome of common carp sperm (1.64 +/- 0.02 pg/nucleus).

Inheritance of microsatellite loci in the white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus)

Nine tetramer motif (GATA)n microsatellite systems were developed for use in the white sturgeon, Acipenser transmontanus. We report inheritance patterns for these nine systems, which range from one possible disomic system to tetrasomy and octosomy, with some systems containing null alleles. Because of the complex modes of inheritance underlying these systems and the highly duplicated nature of the genome, we propose each allele be scored as its own dominant marker, similar to AFLPs or RAPDs. The utility of this method is validated by the observation that individual alleles within a microsatellite system generally fit the expectation for independent transmission and fit the expected transmission frequency for single copy nuclear markers.

Sturgeon genetics and cytogenetics: recent advancements and perspectives

The aim of this review is to introduce current knowledge in the field of sturgeon genetics. The first section deals with sturgeon cytogenetics, reviewing karyotype organization and polyploidization events during evolution of Acipenseriformes. The second section concerns the results of applications of molecular biology to studies of phylogenetic relationships between extant species, intraspecific analysis of wild populations and stocks for conservation purposes, together with characterization of molecular markers for species identification, relevant to forensic and conservation issues.

Genome duplication events and functional reduction of ploidy levels in sturgeon (Acipenser, Huso and Scaphirhynchus)

Sturgeon (order Acipenserformes) provide an ideal taxonomic context for examination of genome duplication events. Multiple levels of ploidy exist among these fish. In a novel microsatellite approach, data from 962 fish from 20 sturgeon species were used for analysis of ploidy in sturgeon. Allele numbers in a sample of individuals were assessed at six microsatellite loci. Species with approximately 120 chromosomes are classified as functional diploid species, species with approximately 250 chromosomes as functional tetraploid species, and with approximately 500 chromosomes as functional octaploids. A molecular phylogeny of the sturgeon was determined on the basis of sequences of the entire mitochondrial cytochrome b gene. By mapping the estimated levels of ploidy on this proposed phylogeny we demonstrate that (I) polyploidization events independently occurred in the acipenseriform radiation; (II) the process of functional genome reduction is nearly finished in species with approximately 120 chromosomes and more active in species with approximately 250 chromosomes and approximately 500 chromosomes; and (III) species with approximately 250 and approximately 500 chromosomes arose more recently than those with approximately 120 chromosomes. These results suggest that gene silencing, chromosomal rearrangements, and transposition events played an important role in the acipenseriform genome formation. Furthermore, this phylogeny is broadly consistent with previous hypotheses but reveals a highly supported oceanic (Atlantic-Pacific) subdivision within the Acipenser/Huso complex.

Multiple molecular forms of glucagon and insulin in the kaluga sturgeon, Huso dauricus

Five molecular forms of glucagon and two molecular forms of insulin were characterized from the kaluga sturgeon. Substitutions occurred at two to thirteen internal amino acid residues among the five molecular forms of glucagons, indicating that these glucagons were encoded by five distinct genes. The amino acid sequences of two insulins from the kaluga sturgeon were identical to those of paddlefish insulin-II and Russian sturgeon insulin except that kaluga sturgeon insulin-I had an extension of five residues at the B-chain N-terminus. This is the first demonstration that more than two molecular forms of glucagon have been characterized from a single animal species.

Heteroplasmy in the mtDNA control region of sturgeon (Acipenser, Huso and Scaphirhynchus)

Data from 1238 fishes from 19 sturgeon species and 1 paddlefish were used to analyze heteroplasmy in sturgeon. Lengths of central repeat units ranged from 74 to 83 bp among sturgeon species. No repeat sequence was found in the paddlefish, Polyodon spathula. A general feature of the repeat units was the presence of termination associated sequence (TAS) motifs. About 50% of 138 interspecific mutations observed among the D-loop sequences are located 10 bp down- and upstream from these TAS motifs. Interestingly, most homoplasmic species showed deletions upstream to the TAS motifs, whereas deletions downstream to the TAS motifs observed in two species do not seem to preclude heteroplasmy. Calculations of secondary structures and thermal stabilities of repeat units showed DeltaG values for all heteroplasmic species to be <-8 and for most homoplasmic species DeltaG value to be >-8. Most heteroplasmic fishes had two and/or three repeat units. No homoplasmic sturgeon with >2 repeat units were observed. Molecular phylogeny based on the entire cytochrome b showed that heteroplasmy probably resulted from a single evolutionary event. Our data demonstrate that heteroplasmy is present in most sturgeon species and suggest that the thermal stability of the secondary structure of the repeat unit in combination with mutations downstream of the TAS sequences influences heteroplasmy.

Mitotic analysis of the North American white sturgeon, Acipenser transmontanus Richardson (Pisces, Acipenseridae), a fish with a very high chromosome number

The average chromosome number of the North American white sturgeon, Acipenser transmontanus Richardson, was found to be 271 ± 2.5 (ranging from 265 to 276). This number is significantly higher than previous estimates for this species. A representative karyotype was found to consist of 132 meta- and submeta-centric chromosomes, 44 acrocentric chromosomes, and 98 microchromosomes. An improved C-banding technique revealed variation (2-7) between animals in the number of entirely heterochromatic metacentric chromosomes. These heterochromatic chromosomes may represent supernumerary chromosomes. There was no cytogenetic evidence of a heteromorphic sex chromosome pair or any sex-related chromosomal polymorphism in either sex of this species.Key words: C-banding, fish, karyotype, supernumerary chromosomes, white sturgeon.

Synaptonemal complex analysis in spermatocytes of white sturgeon, Acipenser transmontanus Richardson (Pisces, Acipenseridae), a fish with a very high chromosome number

The surface-spreading synaptonemal complex (SC) technique was used to visualize the process of chromosome synapsis in white sturgeon spermatocytes. Pachytene nuclei had various numbers of univalents (0-3) and self-paired foldback elements with no obvious centromeric region (1-7) that may represent accessory chromosomes. The total SC length was 482 ( ±56) µm and the average number of SC elements per nucleus was 139 ( ±3.4). This SC number suggests a higher chromosome number than had been reported in previous mitotic studies (2n = 248 ± 8). There was variation in the SC count both within and between animals. A representative SC karyotype is presented and some differences between the mitotic and meiotic karyotypes for this species are discussed. There was no evidence of multivalent formation, suggesting that the process of diploidization has gone to completion in the males of this ancient polyploid species. Each SC had lateral elements of equal length, and no bivalent exhibited the atypical pairing behavior that is often characteristically associated with heteromorphic sex chromosomes, suggesting that the male is not the heterogametic sex in white sturgeon.

Molecular phylogeny of Acipenserinae

The family Acipenseridae consists of 25 extant sturgeon species (19 species of Acipenserinae and 6 species of Scaphirhynchinae). Together with two extant paddlefish species, Polyodon spathula and Psephurus gladius (Polyodontidae), it composes the order Acipenseriformes, the most numerous of all living "fossil" fishes. This paper presents results of sequencing of three regions of the cytochrome b gene (650 bp), and fragments of 12S (150 bp) and 16S (350 bp) rRNA genes, from all extant species of Acipenserinae (species of Acipenser and Huso) and Scaphirhynchus albus (Scaphirhynchinae). The phylogenetic tree obtained for combined data is the first comprehensive treatment of phylogeny within the Acipenserinae. Three general conclusions are inferred from the tree: (1) The pallid sturgeon, S. albus, is the sister-species of all species of Acipenser and Huso. (2) The two species of Huso are embedded within the genus Acipenser. It also appears that Huso is not a separate taxonomic unit. (3) There are at least three main clades within Acipenser: A. sturio-A. oxyrinchus, A. schrenckii-A. transmontanus, and all Ponto-Caspian species plus A. dabryanus and A. brevirostrum. There is congruence between ploidy and the branching patterns of the sturgeon species. A hypothetical evolutionary history of the Acipenseriformes based on the paleontological, geological, and molecular data is discussed.

Nongenetic variation, genetic-environmental interactions and altered gene expression. I. Temperature, photoperiod, diet, pH and sex-related effects

The use of protein electrophoretic data for determining the relationships among species or populations is widespread and generally accepted. However, many confounding factors may alter the results of an electrophoretic study in such a way as to allow erroneous conclusions to be drawn in taxonomic, systematic or population studies. Such variables as temperature, photoperiod, salinity, pH and diet have been shown to influence enzymes and proteins both quantitatively and qualitatively. Production of distinct "cold" and "warm" isozymes or "seasonal" isozymes have been found in a variety of organisms. The factors that are or may be responsible for the appearance of these isozymes is discussed. Most studies that have demonstrated some apparent form of environmentally induced genetic expression have not determined that mechanisms responsible. However, proteolytic modification has been shown to produce seasonal isozymes of fructose 1,6-bisphosphatase in rabbit liver and may account for other seasonal isozymes. Acclimating organisms to various conditions may actually allow detection of cryptic genetic variation and provide valuable data. There are many aspects to consider in designing acclimation experiments, and the conditions used will vary according to the aim of the research. Polyploidy may contribute to the genesis of environmentally regulated isozymes. A review of this literature follows with additional hypotheses and conclusions. Recommendations are given for the resolution of real and potential problems.