Satellite DNAs and differentiation of the ZZ/ZW sex chromosomes system in birds. Part III. The red-legged seriema (Cariama cristata) as a model

Abstract

This study, which is the third in a series of studies on the evolution of sex chromosomes with an emphasis on satellite DNAs, will investigate at the mechanisms underlying the evolution and differentiation of the ZZ/ZW sex system in birds. The goal of this project is to examine how the ZZ/ZW sex system in the red-legged seriema (Cariama cristata) differentiated. The whole collection of satellite DNAs (satellitome) from females will be isolated and characterized. Following that, the study of the chromosomal distribution pattern of these satDNAs and microsatellites in males and females will make it possible to investigate the chromosomal differentiation processes occurring in the initial stages of differentiation of the W chromosome. In addition, intraspecific comparative genomic hybridization analyses will be performed to determine the molecular composition of the W chromosome. At the same time, the project will facilitate the integration of a network of national and international researchers, equally interested in the topic to be investigated, enabling its execution, and obtaining promising results for cytogenetics and evolutionary genetics.