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Chromosomal evolution trends of the genus Panstrongylus (Hemiptera, Reduviidae), vectors of Chagas disease.

The genus Panstrongylus includes 14 species widely distributed from Mexico to Argentina, some of them with great epidemiological significance as vectors of Chagas disease. We study the karyotype and the male meiotic process of Panstrongylus chinai, P. geniculatus, P. herreri, P. lignarius, P. megistus, P. rufotuberculatus and P. tupynambai. All species present the same sex mechanism (X(1)X(2)Y in males and X(1)X(1)X(2)X(2) in females) and they also have 20 autosomes, with the exception of P. megistus that only presents 18 autosomes. The analysis of C-banding patterns and meiotic chromosome behaviour show a great level of variability allowing the identification of three clearly differentiated groups. In the first group, we only include P. megistus because of its unusual number of autosomes. The second group includes P. chinai, P. herreri, P. lignarius and P. rufotuberculatus. Their autosomes present terminal heterochromatic regions that appear scattered throughout the nucleus and associated with the sex chromosomes. Actually, P. herreri and P. lignarius can be considered cytogenetically identical. Our results are in agreement with morphological, ecological and molecular data indicating that they should be regarded as the same species. The third group only includes P. tupynambai that shows autosomes without C-positive regions. Panstrongylus geniculatus shares characters will all the three groups. Its karyotypic features are extremely polymorphic depending on their geographic origin. Some populations do not show any heterochromatic regions, while others exhibit few or several heterochromatic blocks. The chromosomal variability observed, together with its wide distribution and phenetic variability, suggest that P. geniculatus is a species complex comprising at least two distinct species. Considering the entire subfamily, the level of cytogenetic variation in Panstrongylus is lower than that observed in Triatoma but considerably more than that of Rhodnius, which is a very homogenous genus in terms of chromosome appearance and behaviour. This would endorse the closer relationship between Panstrongylus and Triatoma, and their divergence from Rhodnius, in accordance with current tribal classification.

Animals↗

Karyotypes and Giemsa C-banding patterns of Zebrina pendula, Z. purpusii and Setcreasea purpurea, compared with those of Tradescantia ohiensis.

It has been proposed that the genera Zebrina and Setcreasea of the family Commelinaceae should be united and reunited, respectively, with the genus Tradescantia, mainly based on morphological studies. In the present study, karyotypes and Giemsa C-banding patterns in the root-tip cells of three Zebrina and two Setcreasea clones were analyzed, and were compared with those of a triploid Tradescantia clone. Z. pendula and Z. purpusii (both 2n = 24) were found to have similar karyotypes (4 M + 6 ST + 14 T; M = meta-, ST = subtelo-, T = telocentric chromosomes), while Z. pendula cv Quadricolor (2n = 23) had a unique karyotype (6 M + 5 ST + 11 T + 1 SA; SA = short acrocentric chromosome). The only clear difference between Z. pendula and Z. purpusii was that one and two subtelocentric chromosomes, respectively, had satellites at the short arms. Two clones of S. purpurea (2n = 24) had karyotypes (8 M + 8 M' + 8 SM; M' = nearly meta-, SM = submetacentric chromosomes) similar to each other. T. ohiensis (2n = 18) had a symmetric karyotype (9 M + 9 SM) consisting of larger chromosomes than S. purpurea. Many clear Giemsa C-bands were detected, in addition to centromeric bands in all chromosomes of all clones. Z. pendula and Z. purpusii commonly had single clear interstitial bands in eight telocentric chromosomes each, but they also had unique telomeric and other interstitial bands, respectively. Z. pendula cv Quadricolor had a unique banding pattern, i.e., satellite bands in the unique short chromosome, telomeric bands at the long arms of all metacentric chromosomes, and single interstitial bands in six telocentric chromosomes. Two clones of S. purpurea had telomeric bands at many chromosome arms and satellite bands in two nearly metacentric and one submetacentric chromosomes, but some differences were found between them. On the other hand, all the chromosomes of T. ohiensis had telomeric bands at both arms, and three submetacentric chromosomes had satellite bands. These result prove structural differentiation of chromosomes occurred among the clones, especially in Zebrina, and show that S. purpurea is relatively close to T. ohiensis, while Zebrina is obviously distant from the other two genera. Therefore, there remains a question cytologically at least for uniting Zebrina with Tradescantia.

Chromosome Banding↗

Chromosome phylogenies of man, great apes, and Old World monkeys.

The karyotypes of man and of the closely related Pongidae--chimpanzee, gorilla, and orangutan--differ by a small number of well known rearrangements, mainly pericentric inversions and one fusion which reduced the chromosome number from 48 in the Pongidae to 46 in man. Dutrillaux et al. (1973, 1975, 1979) reconstructed the chromosomal phylogeny of the entire primate order. More and more distantly related species were compared thus moving backward in evolution to the common ancestors of the Pongidae, of the Cercopithecoidae, the Catarrhini, the Platyrrhini, the Prosimians, and finally the common ancestor of all primates. Descending the pyramid it becomes possible to assign the rearrangements that occurred in each phylum, and the one that led to man in particular. The main conclusions are that this phylogeny is compatible with the occurrence during evolution of simple chromosome rearrangements--inversions, fusions, reciprocal translocation, acquisition or loss of heterochromatin--and that it is entirely consistent with the known primate phylogeny based on physical morphology and molecular evolution. If heterochromatin is not taken into account, man has in common with the other primates practically all of his chromosomal material as determined by chromosome banding. However, it is arranged differently, according to species, on account of chromosome rearrangements. This interpretation has been confirmed by comparative gene mapping, which established that the same chromosome segments, identified by banding, carry the same genes (Finaz et al., 1973; Human Gene Mapping 8, 1985). A remarkable observation made by Dutrillaux is that different primate phyla seem to have adopted different chromosome rearrangements in the course of evolution: inversions for the Pongidae, Robertsonian fusions for the lemurs, etc. This observation may raise many questions, among which is that of an organized evolution. Also, the breakpoints of chromosomal rearrangements observed during evolution, in human chromosomal diseases, and after ionizing irradiation do not seem to be distributed at random. Chromosomal rearrangements observed in evolution are known to be harmful in humans, leading to complete or partial sterility through abnormal offspring in the heterozygous state but not in the homozygous state. They then become a robust reproductive barrier capable of creating new species, far more powerful than gene mutations advocated by neo-Darwinism. The homozygous state may be achieved especially through inbreeding, which must have played a major role during primate evolution.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Animals↗

A model of DNA aneuploidization and evolution in colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Extensive chromosome and DNA content heterogeneity within and between human solid tumors has been observed using both classical karyotype and DNA cytometry. Experimental evidence suggests, at least in some tumor types, that DNA stemline heterogeneity in tumor progression is according to a three-compartment model with diploidy shifting to tetraploidy and then to hypotetraploidy. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: The human colorectal adenoma-carcinoma sequence appears as one of the most potentially informative systems for the study of DNA stemline heterogeneity in human tumors since adenomas, adenomas with early cancer, and adenocarcinomas in nontreated patients represent clear morphologically distinct stages of tumor progression. The quantitative measurement of DNA content in the G0.1 phase of the cell cycle was performed by high resolution flow cytometry in a large number of cases using multiple fresh or frozen samples. RESULTS: The distribution of the degree of DNA aneuploidy values, also known as DNA index, (DI not equal to 1) among 467 human precancer and cancer colorectal lesions was clearly nonrandom and showed modes at DI = 0.9, 1.2, 1.5, 1.8, and 2.2 with a clear valley at DI = 1.3. Whereas DNA aneuploid subclones within early lesions were up to about 80% near-diploid (DI < or = 1.3), DNA subclones within advanced cancer were in the vast majority with DI = 1.5-1.8 and, in a small fraction, with DI > 2. In addition, in adenomas with early cancer, which represent a link in colorectal tumor progression, early and late DNA stemlines often coexisted. CONCLUSIONS: The natural history of the colorectal adenoma-carcinoma sequence appears to be characterized by near-diploid subclones as early events and by late-stage hypotetraploidy. A new model is proposed that predicts the origin of the near-diploid subclones by "loss of symmetry" in cell division and their evolution (in particular hypodiploid) to the late-stage hypotetraploidy by tetraploidization. This model agrees with recent data associating molecular biology events, cytogenetic data, and DNA stemline heterogeneity in colorectal and other tumor systems.

Adenocarcinoma↗

TdT+/nonlymphoid antigen+ acute leukemias: immunologic and karyotypic monitoring during therapy and at relapse suggests the transformation of a bipotential stem cell.

Immunophenotype and karyotype were monitored in 19 adult acute leukemia patients with blast cell populations expressing terminal transferase (TdT) and nonlymphoid antigens either at presentation or at relapse. Three patterns of immunophenotypic course were observed when following the patients through at least one, sometimes two (six patients), or three relapses (one patient). Induction chemotherapy induced predominantly TdT+ leukemias with a minor monoblastic component to become TdT-negative, purely monoblastic without clinical response or change in karyotype in five patients (group 1). In group 2, relapse was associated with the disappearance (four patients) or the appearance of TdT+/nonlymphoid antigen+ features (four patients). In two instances, new nonrandom cytogenetic abnormalities, in one case, evolution of an initial abnormal cytogenetic clone, were found at relapse. Six patients (group 3) presented and relapsed with identical TdT+ myeloblastic, promyeloblastic, monoblastic immunophenotype and karyotype. In general, FAB classification did not reflect expression of TdT in nonlymphocytic leukemias or the presence of nonlymphoid blast features in lymphocytic leukemias. Lymphoid-specific antigens in addition to TdT were not detected in any of the cases at the time of nonlymphoid antigen expression. In 11 of the 19 patients, simultaneous expression of TdT and myeloid or monocytic antigens could be demonstrated at the single cell level using double-fluorescence staining. These follow-up data are best consistent with a drug-induced maturation drive of a TdT+/monocytic (majority of cases) or TdT+/myelocytic leukemic stem cell with its differentiation commitment being influenced by chemotherapy or by other as yet undefined conditions predisposing to proliferation of the leukemic cell at relapse.

Acute Disease↗

Fluorescene in situ hybridization establishes homology between human and silvered leaf monkey chromosomes, reveals reciprocal translocations between chromosomes homologous to human Y/5, 1/9, and 6/16, and delineates an X1X2Y1Y2/X1X1X2X2 sex-chromosome system.

We employed in situ hybridization of chromosome-specific DNA probes ("chromosome painting") of all human chromosomes to establish homologies between the human and the silvered lead monkey karyotypes (Presbytis cristata 2n = 44). The 24 human paints gave 30 signals on the haploid female chromosome set and 34 signals on the haploid male chromosome set. This difference is due to a reciprocal translocation between the Y and an autosome homologous to human chromosome 5. This Y/autosome reciprocal translocation which is unique among catarrhine primates has produced a X1X2Y1Y2/X1X1X2X2 sex-chromosome system. Although most human syntenic groups have been maintained in the silvered leaf monkey chromosomes homologous to human chromosomes 14 and 15, 21 and 22 have experienced Robertsonian fusions. Further, the multiple FISH signals provided by libraries to human chromosomes 1/9, 6/16 indicate that these chromosomes have been split be reciprocal translocations. G-binding analysis shows three different forms of chromosome 1 (X2) which differ by a complex series of inversions in the 10 individuals karyotype. Comparisons with the hybridization patterns in hylobatids (gibbons and siamang) demonstrate that resemblances in chromosomal morphology and banding previously taken to indicate a special phylogenetic relationship between gibbons and colobines are due to convergence.

Animals↗

Nucleophosmin mutations in de novo acute myeloid leukemia: the age-dependent incidences and the stability during disease evolution.

Nucleophosmin (NPM) mutations have been found in a significant proportion of adults with de novo acute myeloid leukemia (AML), especially in those of a normal karyotype. These results provide a basis for studies of the pathogenesis in this specific subgroup of AML. In this study, NPM mutations were analyzed in 173 Chinese patients of de novo AML, including adults and children. We found that NPM mutations were present in 19.1% of the overall population and 40.3% of those with a normal karyotype. Adults had a significantly higher incidence of NPM mutations than children [32 of 126 (25.4%) versus 1 of 47 (2.1%), P < 0.001]. NPM mutations were closely associated with normal karyotype (P < 0.001) and internal tandem duplication of FLT3 (P = 0.002), but negatively associated with CEBPA mutations (P = 0.032) and expression of CD34 (P < 0.001) and HLA-DR (P = 0.003). Serial analyses of NPM mutations showed the mutation disappeared at complete remission, but the same mutation reappeared at relapse, except for one who lost the mutation at the second relapse, when new cytogenetic abnormalities emerged. None acquired novel mutations during the follow-up period. In conclusion, NPM mutations occur in an age-dependent fashion. Moreover, the findings that NPM mutations are stable during disease evolution and closely associated with disease status make it a potential marker for monitoring minimal residual disease.

Acute Disease↗

Fisherian and Wrightian theories of speciation.

Fisher's theory of sexual selection, Wright's shifting-balance theory, and recent models based on them are reviewed as mechanisms of animal speciation. The joint evolution of mating preferences and secondary sexual characters can cause rapid nonadaptive phenotypic divergence and premating isolation between geographically separated populations, or along a cline. Extensive comparative data on Drosophila species support the suggestion of R. A. Fisher and T. Dobzhansky that the evolution of mating preferences can reinforce partial postmating isolation between sympatric populations. The interaction of natural selection and random genetic drift in local populations with a small effective size can produce a rapid transition between relatively stable phenotypes separated by an adaptive valley, or between chromosomal rearrangements with a heterozygote disadvantage. Large demographic fluctuations, such as frequent random local extinction and colonization, are required for the rapid spread of new adaptations (or karyotypes) when intermediate phenotypes (or rearrangement heterozygotes) are selected against.

Animals↗

Cytogenetic analysis of ctenostomini by C-banding and rDNA localization and its relevance to the knowledge of the evolution of tiger beetles (Coleoptera: Cicindelidae).

In this work, the first cytogenetic data on Neotropical Collyrinae is provided, by way of their karyotypes, C-banding and ribosomal genes (rDNA) localization using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). The two species analysed, Ctenostoma (Procephalus) ornatum ornatum (male) and Ctenostoma (Euctenostoma) rugosum (female) showed, respectively, a diploid number of 17 and 18 chromosomes. C. ornatum ornatum has a multiple sex chromosome system (n = 7 + X1X2Y), and mitotic and meiotic metaphase cells showed rDNA gene labelling in the smallest autosomal pair. In this species, no C-bands were obtained, while C. rugosum seems to exhibit centromeric and/or interstitial C-bands in almost all chromosomes. The observation of a multiple sex chromosome system in Ctenostomini ensured the appearance of this characteristic in the hypothetical ancestral of Collyrinae and Cicindelini. The subfamily Collyrinae is not uniform in what concerns diploid chromosome number and rDNA gene localization, because C. ornatum ornatum possesses a lower chromosome number and autosomal rDNA genes when compared with the other Collyrinae species studied (Neocollyris spp.). Independent events leading to the reduction in chromosome number might have taken place during the split of the Collyrinae into the tribes Ctenostomini and Collyrini.

Animals↗

The pattern of phylogenomic evolution of the Canidae.

Canidae species fall into two categories with respect to their chromosome composition: those with high numbered largely acrocentric karyotypes and others with a low numbered principally metacentric karyotype. Those species with low numbered metacentric karyotypes are derived from multiple independent fusions of chromosome segments found as acrocentric chromosomes in the high numbered species. Extensive chromosome homology is apparent among acrocentric chromosome arms within Canidae species; however, little chromosome arm homology exists between Canidae species and those from other Carnivore families. Here we use Zoo-FISH (fluorescent in situ hybridization, also called chromosomal painting) probes from flow-sorted chromosomes of the Japanese raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides) to examine two phylogenetically divergent canids, the arctic fox (Alopex lagopus) and the crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous). The results affirm intra-canid chromosome homologies, also implicated by G-banding. In addition, painting probes from domestic cat (Felis catus), representative of the ancestral carnivore karyotype (ACK), and giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) were used to define primitive homologous segments apparent between canids and other carnivore families. Canid chromosomes seem unique among carnivores in that many canid chromosome arms are mosaics of two to four homology segments of the ACK chromosome arms. The mosaic pattern apparently preceded the divergence of modern canid species since conserved homology segments among different canid species are common, even though those segments are rearranged relative to the ancestral carnivore genome arrangement. The results indicate an ancestral episode of extensive centric fission leading to an ancestral canid genome organization that was subsequently reorganized by multiple chromosome fusion events in some but not all Canidae lineages.

Animals↗

Chromosome evolution of the blue sheep/bharal (Pseudois nayaur).

A male dwarf blue sheep was collected 60 km south of Batang east to the Jinsha Jiang river, and a male Subei blue sheep (Greater form) was collected from Gansu, China, representing two geographically separated blue sheep forms. Chromosome preparations were prepared from fibroblast cultures. The dwarf blue sheep has a 2n = 54 and a karyotype with three biarmed formations that resulted from acrocentric chromosome fusions (based on the 2n = 60 Capra autosomal equivalents) 14p/5q, 27p/1q, and 29p/2q from the largest to the smallest biarmed chromosome, respectively. The 14p/5q fusion is metacentric, whereas the 27p/1q and 29p/2q are submetacentric. The Subei blue sheep had a 2n = 56, with only the 27p/1q and 29p/2q biarmed chromosome fusions. The remainder of the chromosomes in both blue sheep are acrocentric; the X is the largest acrocentric chromosome and the Y is a minute biarmed chromosome. Our observation is one evidence showing that chromosome evolution within blue sheep has followed a series of centric fusions resulting in the reduction of chromosome number, which is typical of all extant genera within the tribe Caprini.

Animals↗

Cytogenetic and molecular analysis of the satellite DNA of the genus Ctenomys (Rodentia Octodontidae) from Uruguay.

The genus of subterranean rodents Ctenomys presents the widest range of variability in diploid number among mammals (from 2n = 10 to 2n = 70). In Uruguay, this variability is observed in karyotypes with 2n = 44, 50 or 58 and two geographically isolated populations with 70 chromosomes but different karyotypic structure. The last three populations were analyzed in the present study. They present a satellite DNA, which was isolated from genomic DNA after AluI digestion. In situ hybridization showed that this satellite DNA is located in the centromeric region of a few chromosomes, coincident with Hoechst 33258 staining and C-banding patterns. A similar satellite DNA was detected in Argentinian species of this genus. We established that, in spite of differences in number of positive heterochromatic blocks per karyotype, the C value is the same in the three populations studied. The nature and possible evolutionary path of this repeated DNA is discussed.

Animals↗

Consistent chromosomal losses in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cell lines.

Clonal chromosomal abnormalities were characterized in nine cell lines established from squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck. Aneuploidy was a common feature; one cell line was near-diploid, three were near-triploid, four were near-tetraploid, and one cell line showed extensive variation in chromosome numbers. Consistent numerical abnormalities included loss of the sex chromosomes in six cell lines, losses of chromosomes 2 and 21 in six and five cell lines, respectively, and gain of chromosome 20 in five cell lines. Recurrent structural rearrangements included del(10)(q22-q26) (seven cell lines), i(5)(p10) (six cell lines), i(8)(q10) (six cell lines), add(19)(q13) (six cell lines), del(4)(q21-q31.3) (five cell lines), i(3)(q10) (four cell lines), del(12)(p11.1-p12) (four cell lines), and add (18)(q21-q23) (four cell lines). Other changes were noted in lower frequencies. Loss of specific regions on chromosomes 2, 3p, 4q, 5q, 8p, 10q, 12p, 18q, 19q, and 21 suggests that they may represent sites of putative tumor suppressor genes, loss of which may play a role in the pathogenesis of squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck. Alternatively, gain of chromosomal region 3q, 5p, and 8q due to isochromosome formation suggests that more than one mechanism is involved in malignant transformation. Cytogenetic evidence of gene amplification was found in two cell lines; as an hsr(11)(q13) in one and as dmins in the other. The clonal karyotypes of four cell lines were compared with those of their respective primary tumors. In all cell lines, clonal evolution had occurred, with loss of some rearrangements present in the primary tumors or the gain of additional abnormalities.

Aged↗

Evidence for genetic diversity in Trypanosoma (Nannomonas) congolense.

Genetic proximity between two karyotypic groups of Trypanosoma congolense was investigated using as hybridization probes: total genomic DNA, a 35 nucleotide long synthetic oligonucleotide, and non-variant antigen type (non-VAT) specific complementary DNAs. The phylogenetic relationship between Trypanosoma brucei and T. evansi, both of which are accepted species in the subgenus Trypanozoon, was used as a reference to assess the phylogenetic proximity of the two groups of T. congolense. Results indicate that some morphologically indistinguishable T. congolense populations differ in a variety of molecular and genetic properties: molecular karyotypes, majority of the DNA sequences, and the restriction enzyme sites in the genomic environments of various conserved genes. The implications of these findings for trypanosome evolution and T. congolense epidemiology are discussed.

Animals↗

Malignant progression in meningioma: documentation of a series and analysis of cytogenetic findings.

OBJECT: The malignant progression of benign tumors is well documented in gliomas and other systemic lesions. It is also well known that some meningiomas become progressively aggressive despite their original benign status. The theory of clonal evolution is widely believed to explain malignant progression in meningioma; however, the data used to explain stepwise progression have typically been derived from the cytogenetic analysis of different types of tumors of different grades and in different patients. In this study, the authors examined the data obtained in a group of patients with meningiomas that showed clear histopathological progression toward a higher grade of malignancy and then analyzed the underlying cytogenetic findings. METHODS: Among 175 patients with recurrent meningiomas, 11 tumors showed a histopathological progression toward a higher grade that was associated with an aggressive clinical course. Six tumors progressed to malignancy and five to the atypical category over a period averaging 112 months. Tests for MIB-1 and p53 and cytogenetic studies with the fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) method were performed in successive specimens obtained in four patients. The MIB-1 value increased in subsequent samples of tumors. Cytogenetic analysis with FISH showed deletions of 22, 1p, and 14q. In all but one case, these aberrations were also present in the previous specimen despite its lower hispathological grade. CONCLUSIONS: The authors documented the progression of meningiomas from benign to a higher histological grade. These tumors were associated with a complex karyotype that was present ab initio in a histologically lower-grade tumor, contradicting the stepwise clonal evolution model. Although it was limited to the tested probes, the FISH method appears to be more accurate than the standard cytogenetic one in detecting these alterations. Tumors that present with complex genetic alterations, even those with a benign histological grade, are potentially aggressive and require closer follow up.

Adult↗

Cytogenetic analysis of 33 basal cell carcinomas.

Cytogenetic analysis of short-term cultures from 33 basal cell carcinomas (BCC), a type of neoplasm for which no previous karyological data exist, revealed clonal chromosome aberrations, all of them different, in 8 tumors. In 2 cases, 2 cytogenetically unrelated clones were detected, suggesting a multicellular origin in at least a subset of BCC. A remarkably high level of nonclonal structural rearrangements, mostly in the form of seemingly balanced translocations, was found in 23 tumors; namely, in 6 of 8 BCC with clonal karyotypic abnormalities and in 17 of 25 without. It is possible that some of these aberrations represent additional neoplastic clones, thus indicating an even higher level of cytogenetic heterogeneity in BCC. We think that the most likely interpretation of the results is that BCC may have a multicellular origin, reflecting field cancerization of the skin. During subsequent tumor development, the selection pressure narrows down the number of clones that infiltrate the surrounding tissue. The finding by karyotypic analysis of some apparently monoclonal, some polyclonal BCC, may reflect that different tumors have been examined at different points in the clonal evolution of the neoplastic cells.

Aged↗

Chromosomal location and evolution of a satellite DNA family in seven sturgeon species.

The Hind III satellite DNA family, isolated from the Acipenser naccarii genome, was used as a probe for fluorescent in-situ hybridization (FISH) on the karyotype of seven sturgeon species, six belonging to the genus Acipenser and one to Huso. All species except one (A. sturio) exhibit from 8 to 80 chromosome hybridization signals, mainly localized at the pericentromeric regions. Eight chromosomes with weak hybridization signals are present in H. huso and A. ruthenus, which are characterized by a karyotype with about 120 chromosomes. The species with 240-260 chromosomes, A. transmontanus, A. naccarii, A. gueldenstaedtii, and A. baerii, show from 50 to 80 signals, prevalently localized around centromeres. Moreover, A. transmontanus and A. gueldenstaedtii show from 4 to 8 chromosomes with a double signal. The phylogenetic and evolutionary relationships among sturgeon species are discussed on the basis of number and morphology of signal-bearing chromosomes and on the localization of signals.

Animals↗

[The karyotypic variability of mouse embryonic fibroblasts of 2 genotypes during spontaneous neoplastic transformation].

Karyological analysis of 6 lines with distinct tumorigenic properties of mouse strains C3H/He and C57BL/6 has been carried out using a differential staining of chromosomes. The number of normal copies of chromosomes varied in all the investigated cell lines. The more and the less stable chromosomes different from line to line. All the cell lines were characterized by decreased numbers of copies of normal chromosome 7; a decreased number of normal copies of chromosome 2 and 16 was detected in the course of the cell spontaneous neoplastic evolution. The decreased number of normal copies of chromosomes 8, 12 and X, and the increased number of normal copies of chromosome 10 were specific of the cell lines with intermediate tumorigenicity. The maximum tumorigenic cell lines differed from all other lines by increased numbers of copies of chromosomes 4 and 5, and by a decrease in copy number of chromosome 6. The data obtained are discussed in terms of the search of the regularity of karyotypic changes in the course of the cell neoplastic evolution.

Animals↗