Data from: Intrachromosomal rearrangements in avian genome evolution: evidence for regions prone to breakpoints

It is generally believed that the organization of avian genomes remains
highly conserved in evolution as chromosome number is constant and
comparative chromosome painting demonstrated there to be very few
interchromosomal rearrangements. The recent sequencing of the zebra finch
(Taeniopygia guttata) genome allowed an assessment of the number of
intra-chromosomal rearrangements between it and the chicken (Gallus
gallus) genome, revealing a surprisingly high number of intra-chromosomal
rearrangements. With the publication of the turkey (Meleagris gallopavo)
genome it has become possible to describe intrachromosomal rearrangements
between these three important avian species, gain insight into the
direction of evolutionary change and assess whether breakpoint regions are
reused in birds. To this end, we aligned entire chromosomes between
chicken, turkey and zebra finch, identifying syntenic blocks of at least
250kb. Potential optimal pathways of rearrangements between each of the
three genomes were determined, as was a potential Galliform ancestral
organization. From this, our data suggest that around one third of
chromosomal breakpoint regions may recur during avian evolution, with 10%
of breakpoints apparently recurring in different lineages. This agrees
with our previous hypothesis that mechanisms of genome evolution are
driven by hotspots of non-allelic homologous recombination.