Fixed allele differences associated with the centromere reveal chromosome morphology and rearrangements in a reptile (Varanus acanthurus Boulenger)

Chromosome rearrangements are often implicated with genomic divergence and are proposed to be associated with species evolution. Rearrangements alter the genomic structure and interfere with homologous recombination by isolating a portion of the genome. Integration of multi-platform next generation DNA sequencing technologies has enabled putative identification of chromosome rearrangements in many taxa, however, integrating these data sets with cytogenetics is still uncommon beyond model genetic organisms. Therefore, to achieve the ultimate goal for the genomic classification of eukaryotic organisms, physical chromosome mapping remains critical. The ridge-tailed goannas (Varanus acanthurus BOULENGER) are a group of dwarf monitor lizards comprised of several species found throughout Northern Australia. These lizards exhibit extreme divergence at both the genic and chromosomal levels. The chromosome polymorphisms are widespread extending across much of their distribution, raising the ques..., Collection of specimens
The geographic distinction between a fixed submetacentric race and a polymorphic race was along the Barkly tablelands (King et al. 1982), therefore collection efforts targeted populations in this region. Individuals were collected by hand when sheltering among rocks deposited by road graders along roadsides in the Northern Territory and Queensland (Figure 1). Upon collection, the animals were placed into muslin bags and then into an insulated box and freighted overnight to the Canberra Airport, and then transported to the University of Canberra and housed in terrariums as described by Retes and Bennett (2001). A laboratory colony was established with these individuals from four distinct geographical populations with known chromosome rearrangements (King et al. 1982, Dobry et al., 2022). From each individual, we collected blood for DNA extraction and tail tissue for chromosome preparation. Individuals were morphologically identified to species and then genetically..., Text Editor
Rstudio (Packages required: dartR, orthofinder, genespace)
Genieous Prime
Circos