Karyotype Evolution in Crucifers (Brassicaceae)
Comparative chromosome painting in Turritis glabra (tower mustard, n=6) revealed two chromosomes homeologous to chromosomes 2 and 3 of Arabidopsis thaliana (thale cress, n=5).
The mustard family (Brassicaceae) includes more than 3,350 species distributed throughout the world. Chromosome numbers range from n=4 to n=128 including a high number of polyploid species (~50%). Brassicaceae is the only plant family in which comparative chromosome painting (CCP) has been feasible due to its unique genome structure, though an alternative painting strategy using chromosome-specific DNA clones is required. Karyological diversity and unique genome structure make Brassicaceae an attractive group for studying karyotype evolution within the phylogenetic framework. The project aims (i) to provide the first insights into karyotype evolution within Brassicaceae by identifying crucial chromosome rearrangements responsible for chromosome number variation, (ii) to compare the revealed chromosomal homeology patterns with phylogenetic distances within the family, and (iii) to get insights into the direction and timing of karyotype evolution within Brassicaceae.
Project Team
Project Leader: Lysak, Martin
Jodrell Laboratory
Michaela Kitschke, Martin Lysak
Project Partners and Collaborators
Germany
Heidelberg University
Osnabrueck University
New Zealand
Massey University
USA
Duke University
Funders
UK
NERC grant (NE/D521357/1.)