Reassessing the causal connection between satDNA dynamics and chromosomal evolution in Ctenomys (Rodentia, Ctenomyidae): Unveiling the overlooked importance of the Y chromosome

What is it about?

Satellite DNAs (satDNA) are sequences of DNA that are repeated many times in a genome. They can change rapidly over time and may play a role in the evolution of a species' karyotypes. This study was focused on a particular satDNA called the Repetitive PvuII Ctenomys Sequence (RPCS), which is found in rodents of the genus Ctenomys. It was found that RPCS varies greatly within populations and that this variation is strongly influenced by the presence of the Y chromosome, which contains almost twice as much RPCS as the other chromosomes. Furthermore, it was found that the pattern of RPCS variation differs between males and females, due to the Y chromosome. Finally, the researcher investigated whether changes in RPCS copy number could explain changes in karyotype, but found that not all changes could be explained in this way. Overall, this study highlights the importance of considering the accumulation of satDNA in different chromosome types when studying the evolution of karyotypes.

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