Centromere-linked microsatellite markers for linkage groups 3, 4, 6, 7, 13, and 20 of zebrafish (Danio rerio)

A large number of interesting mutations affecting development and organogenesis have been identified through genetic screens in zebrafish. Mapping of these mutations to a chromosomal region can be rapidly accomplished using half-tetrad analysis. However, knowledge of centromere-linked markers on every chromosome is essential to this mapping method. Centromeres on all 25 linkage groups have been mapped on the RAPD zebrafish genetic map. However, species specificity and the lack of codominance make RAPD markers less practical for mapping than microsatellite-based markers. On the microsatellite-based genetic map, centromere-linked markers have been identified for 19 linkage groups. No direct evidence has been published linking microsatellite markers to the centromeres of linkage groups 3, 4, 6, 7, 13, and 20. Therefore, we compared the microsatellite-based genetic map with the RAPD map to identify markers most likely linked to the centromeres of these 6 linkage groups. These candidate markers were tested for potential centromere linkage using four panels of half-tetrad embryos derived by early-pressure treatment of eggs from four different female zebrafish. We have identified microsatellite markers for linkage groups 3, 4, 6, 7, 13, and 20 to within 1.7 cM of their centromeres. These markers will greatly facilitate the rapid mapping of mutations in zebrafish by half-tetrad analysis.     

Half-Tetrad Analysis in Zebrafish: Mapping the Ros Mutation and the Centromere of Linkage Group I

Analysis of meiotic tetrads is routinely used to determine genetic linkage in various fungi. Here we apply tetrad analysis to the study of genetic linkage in a vertebrate. The half-tetrad genotypes of gynogenetic diploid zebrafish produced by early-pressure (EP) treatment were used to investigate the linkage relationships of two recessive pigment pattern mutations, leopard (leo) and rose (ros). The results showed that ros is tightly linked to its centromere and leo maps 31 cM from its centromere. Analysis of half-tetrads segregating for ros and leo in repulsion revealed no homozygous ros individuals among 32 homozygous leo half-tetrads--i.e., a parental ditype (PD) to nonparental ditype (NPD) ratio of 32:0. This result shows that ros is linked to leo, a mutation previously mapped to Linkage Group I. Investigation of PCR-based DNA polymorphisms on Linkage Group I confirmed the location of ros near the centromere of this linkage group. We propose an efficient, generally useful method to assign new mutations to a linkage group in zebrafish by determining which of 25 polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based centromere markers shows a significant excess of PD to NPD in half-tetrad fish.     

Cloning and characterization of centromeric DNA from Neurospora crassa.

The centromere locus from linkage group VII of Neurospora crassa has been cloned, characterized, and physically mapped. The centromeric DNA is contained within a 450-kb region that is recombination deficient, A+T-rich, and contains repetitive sequences. Repetitive sequences from within this region hybridize to a family of repeats located at or near centromeres in all seven linkage groups of N. crassa. Genomic Southern blots and sequence analysis of these repeats revealed a unique centromere structure containing a divergent family of centromere-specific repeats. The predominantly transitional differences between copies of the centromere-specific sequence repeats and their high A+T content suggest that their divergence was mediated by repeat-induced point (RIP) mutations.     

Efficient mapping and cloning of mutations in zebrafish by low-coverage whole-genome sequencing

The generation and analysis of mutants in zebrafish has been instrumental in defining the genetic regulation of vertebrate development, physiology, and disease. However, identifying the genetic changes that underlie mutant phenotypes remains a significant bottleneck in the analysis of mutants. Whole-genome sequencing has recently emerged as a fast and efficient approach for identifying mutations in nonvertebrate model organisms. However, this approach has not been applied to zebrafish due to the complicating factors of having a large genome and lack of fully inbred lines. Here we provide a method for efficiently mapping and detecting mutations in zebrafish using these new parallel sequencing technologies. This method utilizes an extensive reference SNP database to define regions of homozygosity-by-descent by low coverage, whole-genome sequencing of pooled DNA from only a limited number of mutant F(2) fish. With this approach we mapped each of the five different zebrafish mutants we sequenced and identified likely causative nonsense mutations in two and candidate mutations in the remainder. Furthermore, we provide evidence that one of the identified mutations, a nonsense mutation in bmp1a, underlies the welded mutant phenotype.     

Analysis of chromosomal rearrangements induced by postmeiotic mutagenesis with ethylnitrosourea in zebrafish

Mutations identified in zebrafish genetic screens allow the dissection of a wide array of problems in vertebrate biology. Most screens have examined mutations induced by treatment of spermatogonial (premeiotic) cells with the chemical mutagen N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU). Treatment of postmeiotic gametes with ENU induces specific-locus mutations at a higher rate than premeiotic regimens, suggesting that postmeiotic mutagenesis protocols could be useful in some screening strategies. Whereas there is extensive evidence that ENU induces point mutations in premeiotic cells, the range of mutations induced in postmeiotic zebrafish germ cells has been less thoroughly characterized. Here we report the identification and analysis of five mutations induced by postmeiotic ENU treatment. One mutation, snh(st1), is a translocation involving linkage group (LG) 11 and LG 14. The other four mutations, oep(st2), kny(st3), Df(LG 13)(st4), and cyc(st5), are deletions, ranging in size from less than 3 cM to greater than 20 cM. These results show that germ cell stage is an important determinant of the type of mutations induced. The induction of chromosomal rearrangements may account for the elevated frequency of specific-locus mutations observed after treatment of postmeiotic gametes with ENU.     

Molecular mapping of the centromeres of tomato chromosomes 7 and 9

The centromeres of two tomato chromosomes have been precisely localized on the molecular linkage map through dosage analysis of trisomic stocks. To map the centromeres of chromosomes 7 and 9, complementary telo-, secondary, and tertiary trisomic stocks were used to assign DNA markers to their respective chromosome arms and thus to localize the centromere at the junction of the short and long arms. It was found that both centromeres are situated within a cluster of cosegregating markers. In an attempt to order the markers within the centric clusters, genetic maps of the centromeric regions of chromosomes 7 and 9 were constructed from F₂ populations of 1620Lycopersicon esculentum × L. pennellii (E × P) plants and 1640L. esculentum × L. pimpinellifolium (E × PM) plants. Despite the large number of plants analyzed, very few recombination events were detected in the centric regions, indicating a significant suppression of recombination at this region of the chromosome. The fact that recombination suppression is equally strong in crosses between closely related (E × PM) and remotely related (E × P) parents suggests that centromeric suppression is not due to DNA sequence mismatches but to some other mechanism. The greatest number of centromeric markers was resolved in theL. esculentum × L. pennellii F₂ population. The centromere of chromosome 7 is surrounded by eight cosegregating markers: three on the short arm, five on the long arm. Similarly, the centric region of chromosome 9 contains ten cosegregating markers including one short arm marker and nine long arm markers. The localization of centromeres to precise intervals on the molecular linkage map represents the first step towards the characterization and ultimate isolation of tomato centromeres.     

A genetic linkage map and comparative genome analysis of common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) using microsatellites and SNPs

A genetic linkage map is a powerful research tool for mapping traits of interest and is essential to understanding genome evolution. The aim of this study is to provide an expanded genetic linkage map of common carp to effectively carry out quantitative trait loci analysis and conduct comparative mapping analysis between lineages. Here, we constructed a genetic linkage map of common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) using microsatellite and single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers in a 159 sibling family. A total of 246 microsatellites and 306 SNP polymorphic markers were genotyped in this family. Linkage analysis using JoinMap 4.0 organized 427 markers (186 microsatellites and 241 SNPs) to 50 linkage groups, ranging in size from 1.4 to 130.1 cM. Each group contained 2-30 markers. The linkage map covered a genetic distance of 2,039.2 cM and the average interval for markers within the linkage groups was approximately 6.4 cM. In addition, comparative genome analysis within five model teleost fish revealed a high percentage (74.7%) of conserved loci corresponding to zebrafish chromosomes. In most cases, each zebrafish chromosome comprised two common carp linkage groups. The comparative analysis also revealed independent chromosome rearrangements in common carp and zebrafish. The linkage map will be of great assistance in mapping genes of interest and serve as a reference to approach comparative mapping and enable further insights into the comprehensive investigations of genome evolution of common carp.     

CENP-B interacts with CENP-C domains containing Mif2 regions responsible for centromere localization

Recently, human artificial chromosomes featuring functional centromeres have been generated efficiently from naked synthetic alphoid DNA containing CENP-B boxes as a de novo mechanism in a human cultured cell line, but not from the synthetic alphoid DNA only containing mutations within CENP-B boxes, indicating that CENP-B has some functions in assembling centromere/kinetochore components on alphoid DNA. To investigate whether any interactions exist between CENP-B and the other centromere proteins, we screened a cDNA library by yeast two-hybrid analysis. An interaction between CENP-B and CENP-C was detected, and the CENP-C domains required were determined to overlap with three Mif2 homologous regions, which were also revealed to be involved in the CENP-C assembly of centromeres by expression of truncated polypeptides in cultured cells. Overproduction of truncated CENP-B containing no CENP-C interaction domains caused abnormal duplication of CENP-C domains at G2 and cell cycle delay at metaphase. These results suggest that the interaction between CENP-B and CENP-C may be involved in the correct assembly of CENP-C on alphoid DNA. In other words, a possible molecular linkage may exist between one of the kinetochore components and human centromere DNA through CENP-B/CENP-B box interaction.     

Tetrad-FISH analysis reveals recombination suppression by interstitial heterochromatin sequences in rye (Secale cereale)

Tetrad analysis is a genetic method that can locate genes and centromeres on a linkage map with a high degree of precision. Despite its effectiveness and accuracy, application of this method is generally limited to fungi, algae and mosses. Here we demonstrate a new method of tetrad analysis that is applicable to other organisms. This combines tetrad analysis with fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and is thus referred to as tetrad-FISH analysis. We demonstrate the effectiveness of this method using tetrads of rye, Secale cereale. The rye strain JNK contains interstitial heterochromatin in a region of Chromosome 2R. We have previously cloned the tandemly repeated sequence forming this heterochromatin in the plasmid pScJNK. We performed FISH using pScJNK as the probe on tetrads obtained from heterozygotes for the heterochromatin region. The frequency of tetrads demonstrating positive signals in two cells that are diagonally opposite one another must correspond to the frequency of recombination in the interval between the heterochromatin and the centromere. Comparison between the results of tetrad-FISH analysis and linkage maps based on RFLP markers clearly indicated that heterochromatin strongly suppresses recombination of whole chromosomal regions. We discuss the effectiveness of tetrad-FISH analysis, particularly for the localization of functional centromeres in linkage maps.     

Expression of Zkrml2, a homologue of the Krml1/val segmentation gene, during embryonic patterning of the zebrafish (Danio rerio)

We have identified Zkrml2, a novel homologue of the segmentation gene Krml/val in zebrafish (Danio rerio). Zkrml2 shows 72% and 92% identity in its basic leucine zipper domain with mouse Krml1 and zebrafish val, respectively. Zkrml2 is expressed coincident with MyoD throughout the somites starting at the three somite stage, becomes restricted to the dermomyotome, and subsequently disappears. Transient expression is also detected in the reticulospinal and oculomotor neurons. Zkrml2 maps to the Oregon linkage group 11 (Boston Linkage group 14) with no mapped zebrafish mutations nearby.     

A Consensus Linkage Map Provides Insights on Genome Character and Evolution in Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio L.)

Common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) is cultured worldwide and is a major contributor to the world’s aquaculture production. The common carp has a complex tetraploidized genome, which may historically experience additional whole genome duplication than most other Cyprinids. Fine maps for female and male carp were constructed using a mapping panel containing one F1 family with 190 progeny. A total of 1,025 polymorphic markers were used to construct genetic maps. For the female map, 559 microsatellite markers in 50 linkage groups cover 3,468 cM of the genome. For the male map, 383 markers in 49 linkage groups cover 1,811 cM of the genome. The consensus map was constructed by integrating the new map with two published linkage maps, containing 732 markers and spanning 3,278 cM in 50 linkage groups. The number of consensus linkage groups corresponds to the number of common carp chromosomes. A significant difference on sex recombinant rate was observed that the ratio of female and male recombination rates was 4.2:1. Comparative analysis was performed between linkage map of common carp and genome of zebrafish (Danio rerio), which revealed clear 2:1 relationship of common carp linkage groups and zebrafish chromosomes. The results provided evidence that common carp did experienced a specific whole genome duplication event comparing with most other Cyprinids. The consensus linkage map provides an important tool for genetic and genome study of common carp and facilitates genetic selection and breeding for common carp industry.     

A detailed linkage map of medaka, Oryzias latipes: comparative genomics and genome evolution

We mapped 633 markers (488 AFLPs, 28 RAPDs, 34 IRSs, 75 ESTs, 4 STSs, and 4 phenotypic markers) for the Medaka Oryzias latipes, a teleost fish of the order Beloniformes. Linkage was determined using a reference typing DNA panel from 39 cell lines derived from backcross progeny. This panel provided unlimited DNA for the accumulation of mapping data. The total map length of Medaka was 1354.5 cM and 24 linkage groups were detected, corresponding to the haploid chromosome number of the organism. Thirteen to 49 markers for each linkage group were obtained. Conserved synteny between Medaka and zebrafish was observed for 2 independent linkage groups. Unlike zebrafish, however, the Medaka linkage map showed obvious restriction of recombination on the linkage group containing the male-determining region (Y) locus compared to the autosomal chromosomes.     

Coupled mutagenesis screens and genetic mapping in zebrafish

Forward genetic analysis is one of the principal advantages of the zebrafish model system. However, managing zebrafish mutant lines derived from mutagenesis screens and mapping the corresponding mutations and integrating them into the larger collection of mutations remain arduous tasks. To simplify and focus these endeavors, we developed an approach that facilitates the rapid mapping of new zebrafish mutations as they are generated through mutagenesis screens. We selected a minimal panel of 149 simple sequence length polymorphism markers for a first-pass genome scan in crosses involving C32 and SJD inbred lines. We also conducted a small chemical mutagenesis screen that identified several new mutations affecting zebrafish embryonic melanocyte development. Using our first-pass marker panel in bulked-segregant analysis, we were able to identify the genetic map positions of these mutations as they were isolated in our screen. Rapid mapping of the mutations facilitated stock management, helped direct allelism tests, and should accelerate identification of the affected genes. These results demonstrate the efficacy of coupling mutagenesis screens with genetic mapping.     

Mutations affecting eye morphology in the developing zebrafish (Danio rerio)

The zebrafish (Danio rerio) has received considerable attention as a mainstream model for the molecular and genetic study of vertebrate development. In our laboratory, we have conducted a third-generation screen of chemically mutagenized zebrafish for recessive mutations affecting the visual system. This report describes the visible phenotypes and number of morphological mutants so far observed and presents a more detailed histological analysis of six of these mutations. Through analysis of mutant larvae, it was determined that several of the subtle morphological mutations resulted in degeneration of specific cellular layers of the retina. Other mutations resulted in some degeneration distributed diffusely across the entire retina or concentrated at the retinal margin. A single mutation affecting invagination of the optic cup and lens vesicle formation resulted in a failure to develop an anterior chamber. These results demonstrate the utility of a small-scale, highly focused screen for uncovering novel loci involved in retinal and eye development. Dev. Genet. 20:288–295, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Exome Sequencing and Functional Validation in Zebrafish Identify GTDC2 Mutations as a Cause of Walker-Warburg Syndrome

Whole-exome sequencing (WES), which analyzes the coding sequence of most annotated genes in the human genome, is an ideal approach to studying fully penetrant autosomal-recessive diseases, and it has been very powerful in identifying disease-causing mutations even when enrollment of affected individuals is limited by reduced survival. In this study, we combined WES with homozygosity analysis of consanguineous pedigrees, which are informative even when a single affected individual is available, to identify genetic mutations responsible for Walker-Warburg syndrome (WWS), a genetically heterogeneous autosomal-recessive disorder that severely affects the development of the brain, eyes, and muscle. Mutations in seven genes are known to cause WWS and explain 50%-60% of cases, but multiple additional genes are expected to be mutated because unexplained cases show suggestive linkage to diverse loci. Using WES in consanguineous WWS-affected families, we found multiple deleterious mutations in GTDC2 (also known as AGO61). GTDC2's predicted role as an uncharacterized glycosyltransferase is consistent with the function of other genes that are known to be mutated in WWS and that are involved in the glycosylation of the transmembrane receptor dystroglycan. Therefore, to explore the role of GTDC2 loss of function during development, we used morpholino-mediated knockdown of its zebrafish ortholog, gtdc2. We found that gtdc2 knockdown in zebrafish replicates all WWS features (hydrocephalus, ocular defects, and muscular dystrophy), strongly suggesting that GTDC2 mutations cause WWS.     

The zebrafish fth1, slc3a2, men1, pc, fgf3 and cycd1 genes define two regions of conserved synteny between linkage group 7 and human chromosome 11q13

In addition to being an excellent model system for studying vertebrate development, the zebrafish has become a great tool for gene discovery by mutational analysis. The recent availability of the zebrafish EST database and radiation hybrid mapping panels has dramatically expanded the framework for genomic research in this species. Developing comparative maps of the zebrafish and human genomes is of particular importance for zebrafish mutagenesis studies in which human orthologs are sought for zebrafish genes. However, only partial cDNA sequences are determined routinely for mapped ESTs, leaving the identity of the EST in question. It previously had been reported that zebrafish linkage group 7 shares conserved synteny with human chromosome 11q13. In an effort to further define this relationship, five full-length zebrafish cDNAs, fth1, slc3a2, prkri, cd81, and pc, as well as one putative human gene, DBX were identified and their map positions ascertained. These six genes, along with men1, fgf3 and cycd1 define two regions of conserved synteny between linkage group 7 and 11q13.     

A meta-analysis of kidney microarray datasets: investigation of cytokine gene detection and correlation with rt-PCR and detection thresholds

Background

Large-scale mutagenesis screens in the zebrafish employing the mutagen ENU have isolated several hundred mutant loci that represent putative developmental control genes. In order to realize the potential of such screens, systematic genetic mapping of the mutations is necessary. Here we report on a large-scale effort to map the mutations generated in mutagenesis screening at the Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology by genome scanning with microsatellite markers.

Results

We have selected a set of microsatellite markers and developed methods and scoring criteria suitable for efficient, high-throughput genome scanning. We have used these methods to successfully obtain a rough map position for 319 mutant loci from the Tübingen I mutagenesis screen and subsequent screening of the mutant collection. For 277 of these the corresponding gene is not yet identified. Mapping was successful for 80 % of the tested loci. By comparing 21 mutation and gene positions of cloned mutations we have validated the correctness of our linkage group assignments and estimated the standard error of our map positions to be approximately 6 cM.

Conclusion

By obtaining rough map positions for over 300 zebrafish loci with developmental phenotypes, we have generated a dataset that will be useful not only for cloning of the affected genes, but also to suggest allelism of mutations with similar phenotypes that will be identified in future screens. Furthermore this work validates the usefulness of our methodology for rapid, systematic and inexpensive microsatellite mapping of zebrafish mutations.     

Classical and molecular cytogenetics of the zebrafish, Danio rerio (Cyprinidae, Cypriniformes): an overview

The zebrafish, Danio rerio, has recently become the model system for the genetic analysis of vertebrate development. This paper reviews the advances in zebrafish cytogenetics, obtained through classical and molecular techniques, which will lead to the assignment of specific linkage groups to specific chromosome pairs in the zebrafish genome project. Several chromosome pairs of the 50-chromosome karyotype of D. rerio were differentially stained by classical staining techniques and additional information has been obtained by molecular cytogenetics. Indeed, the analysis of constitutive heterochromatin by C-banding and base-specific fluorochrome staining had suggested a differential composition of peri- and paracentromeric constitutive heterochromatin. The chromosome mapping of distinct AT- and GC-rich zebrafish satellite DNAs by means of PRINS (Primed in situ) and multicolor FISH (Fluorescence in situ Hybridization) has confirmed this hypothesis, which therefore provided the chromosome localization of 10% of the zebrafish genome. The analysis of nucleolus organizer regions (NORs) by silver staining and by FISH with 18S rDNA has also revealed the existence of variable and inactive NORs, in addition to those on the terminal regions of the long arms of the three NOR-bearing chromosome pairs. Other multicopy genes, such as minor ribosomal genes, or multicopy repeats, such as telomere specific sequences, have now been mapped on zebrafish chromosomes. The latest advancement in zebrafish molecular cytogenetics is the chromosome mapping of single locus genes. Single-copy genes from each of the 25 genetic linkage groups are now being mapped on zebrafish chromosomes by using PAC clones.