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B chromosomes: from cytogenetics to systems biology

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Abstract

Though hundreds to thousands of reports have described the distribution of B chromosomes among diverse eukaryote groups, a comprehensive theory of their biological role has not yet clearly emerged. B chromosomes are classically understood as a sea of repetitive DNA sequences that are poor in genes and are maintained by a parasitic-drive mechanism during cell division. Recent developments in high-throughput DNA/RNA analyses have increased the resolution of B chromosome biology beyond those of classical and molecular cytogenetic methods; B chromosomes contain many transcriptionally active sequences, including genes, and can modulate the activity of autosomal genes. Furthermore, the most recent knowledge obtained from omics analyses, which is associated with a systemic view, has demonstrated that B chromosomes can influence cell biology in a complex way, possibly favoring their own maintenance and perpetuation.

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Acknowledgment

This work was supported by grants from São Paulo Research Foundation (13/04533-3), the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (474684/2013-0, 301728/2011-9), and São Paulo State University (0045/021/13-PROPe/CDC).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Bioprocess and Biotechnology, Agronomic Science School, UNESP - Sao Paulo State University, Botucatu, SP, 18610-307, Brazil

    Guilherme T. Valente, Rodrigo O. Almeida & Rafael P. Simões

  2. Department of Morphology, Institute of Biosciences, UNESP – Sao Paulo State University, Sao Paulo, Botucatu, 18618-689, Brazil

    Rafael T. Nakajima, Bruno E. A. Fantinatti, Diego F. Marques & Cesar Martins

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  1. Guilherme T. Valente
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  2. Rafael T. Nakajima
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  3. Bruno E. A. Fantinatti
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  4. Diego F. Marques
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  5. Rodrigo O. Almeida
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Correspondence to Cesar Martins.

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All applicable international, national, and/or institutional guidelines for the care and use of animals were followed.

This article does not contain any studies with human participants performed by any of the authors.

Funding

This work was supported by grants from São Paulo Research Foundation (13/04533-3), the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (474684/2013-0, 301728/2011-9), and São Paulo State University (0045/021/13-PROPe/CDC).

Additional information

This article is related to the 21st International Chromosome Conference (Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil, July 10–13, 2016).

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Valente, G.T., Nakajima, R.T., Fantinatti, B.E.A. et al. B chromosomes: from cytogenetics to systems biology. Chromosoma 126, 73–81 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00412-016-0613-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00412-016-0613-6

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