Diferenciace chromosomů želv

Molecular differentiation of sex chromosomes and karyotype evolution in chelid turtles (Testudines: Chelidae)

The family Chelidae includes more than 50 species, distributed in freshwater ecosystems of South America, Australia, New Guinea and Indonesia. Phylogenetic studies distinguish two major lineages of Gondwanan origin: the Australasian and the South American. The cytogenetic traits are poorly explored in chelids, but indicate the presence of genotypic sex determination with well differentiated XX/XY sex chromosomes, a system rarely reported in reptiles. However, the gene content and the

homology of sex chromosomes still remain unknown. In this project, we will analyze a number of chelid species through a multidirectional approach, combining advanced cytogenetic (FISH, CGH), molecular (qPCR) and genomic/bioinformatic (mRNAseq)

methods, to investigate the gene content and the homology of chromosomes. In addition, we will use this group of turtles as model for testing general hypothesis on the evolution of sex determination systems in amniotes. Furthermore, approximately 22% of chelids are classified in the threatened category according to IUCN Red List.

Sex specific loci identified in this project will be used to develop a molecular sexing, which is fundamental for management decisions in conservation projects of endangered taxa.

Principal researcher: Sofia Mazzoleni
Supervisor: Michail Rovatsos
Co-researchers:
Barbora Augstenová
Lukáš Kratochvíl