Satellite DNAs and the differentiation of the ZZ/ZW sex chromosome system in Fishes. The species Belontia hasselti (Perciformes: Osphronemidae) as a model

Abstract

This study, representing the continuation of research on the evolution of sex chromosomes with an emphasis on satellite DNAs, will investigate the mechanisms of evolution and differentiation of the ZZ/ZW sex system in fishes. The objective of this project is to examine how the ZZ/ZW sex system present in the fish species Belontia hasselti (Perciformes: Osphronemidae) differentiated. The entire collection of satellite DNAs (satelitome) from females and males will be isolated and characterized. Then, the study of the chromosomal distribution pattern of these satDNAs, along with comparative genomic hybridization, microdissection and chromosome painting experiments will be carried out to investigate the chromosomal differentiation processes that occurred during the W chromosome differentiation. At the same time, the project will foster the integration of a network of national and international researchers, equally interested in the subject to be investigated, enabling its execution and obtaining promising results for cytogenetics and evolutionary genetics.