Segregation distortion and differential fitness at the albumin locus in rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta)

The observed patterns of segregation of two co-dominant alleles at the macaque albumin locus in 400 rhesus monkey offspring were compared with those expected for five segregating mating phenotypes. Rates of reproductive loss and conception were also compared among females of each albumin phenotype. The common albumin allele in macaques, Al^A_mac, segregated more frequently than expected when the mother was heterozygous but less frequently than expected when she was homozygous for Al^B_mac. In both cases, the phenotype identical to that of the mother appeared to be favored. Mothers who were either homozygous for Al^A_mac or heterozygous were also found to experience higher conception rates than mothers homozygous for Al^B_mac. It is hypothesized that phenotypic differences in bilirubin binding, and in competitive binding by dietary constituents, by albumin influences both these results and the nonrandom distribution of Al^B_mac in Asian macaques.     

The modification of crossing over in maize by extraneous chromosomal elements

Summary Five regions of the maize genome were tested for their response to endogenous factors influencing recombination. These included heterochromatic B chromosomes and abnormal chromosome 10 as well as the sex in which recombination occurred.The frequency of recombination in the proximal A ₂-Bt and Bt-Pr segments of chromosome 5 was increased in the presence of B chromosomes, with the male meiocytes showing a greater response than the female meiocytes. In addition, experiments involving 0, 1, 2 and 4 B's revealed a dosage effect of B chromosomes on crossing over in chromosome 5. Recombination in the proximal Wx-Gl ₁₅ interval of chromosome 9 was found to be slightly higher than normal in male flowers when two B chromosomes were present. This increase was accompanied by a decrease in the adjacent Sh-Wx segment. Crossing over in the distal C-Sh segment and in the C-Sh-Wx-Gl ₁₅ regions of female flowers was unaffected by B's.Comparisons of plants heterozygous for abnormal chromosome 10 (K10 k10) and homozygous for the standard chromosome 10 (k10 k10) showed that abnormal 10 greatly enhances crossing over in the A ₂-Bt and Bt-Pr segments of chromosome 5. In contrast to the finding with B's, the effect is greater in female than in male sporocytes. K10 showed no significant effect on recombination in the C-Sh-Wx-Gl ₁₅ region of chromosome 9 except in male sporocytes, where there was a slight increase in the Sh-Wx region of 0 B K10 k10 plants and a possible interaction with B chromosomes to raise the level of recombination between Wx and Gl ₁₅. The fact that the regions adjacent to the centromere of chromosome 9 show little or no response to the presence of K10 indicates that the proximal heterochromatin of this chromosome differs qualitatively from that of other maize chromosomes. This conclusion is supported by a comparison of the effects of B chromosomes, K10 and sex on crossing over in chromosomes 5 and 9.Dedicated to Dr. M. M. Rhoades on the occasion of his seventieth birthday.     

Somatic association of telocentric chromosomes carrying homologous centromeres in common wheat

Summary Measurements of distances between telocentric chromosomes, either homologous or representing the opposite arms of a metacentric chromosome (complementary telocentrics), were made at metaphase in root tip cells of common wheat carrying two homologous pairs of complementary telocentrics of chromosome 1 B or 6 B (double ditelosomic 1 B or 6 B). The aim was to elucidate the relative locations of the telocentric chromosomes within the cell. The data obtained strongly suggest that all four telocentrics of chromosome 1 B or 6 B are spacially and simultaneously co-associated. In plants carrying two complementary (6 B ^S and 6 B ^L) and a non-related (5 B ^L) telocentric, only the complementary chromosomes were found to be somatically associated. It is thought, therefore, that the somatic association of chromosomes may involve more than two chromosomes in the same association and, since complementary telocentrics are as much associated as homologous, that the homology between centromeres (probably the only homologous region that exists between complementary telocentrics) is a very important condition for somatic association of chromosomes. The spacial arrangement of chromosomes was studied at anaphase and prophase and the polar orientation of chromosomes at prophase was found to resemble anaphase orientation. This was taken as good evidence for the maintenance of the chromosome arrangement — the Rabl orientation — and of the peripheral location of the centromere and its association with the nuclear membrane. Within this general arrangement homologous telocentric chromosomes were frequently seen to have their centromeres associated or directed towards each other. The role of the centromere in somatic association as a spindle fibre attachment and chromosome binder is discussed. It is suggested that for non-homologous chromosomes to become associated in root tips, the only requirement needed should be the homology of centromeres such as exists between complementary telocentrics, or, as a possible alternative, common repeated sequences of DNA molecules around the centromere region.Dedicated to Professor Dr. Marcus M. Rhoades on his 70th birthday.     

Analysis of the “Poso” wheat translocation

The two translocation chromosomes in the Poso 5B/7B translocation have been isolated in separate heterozygous aneuploid stocks (19^II+5B+T). The translocation breakpoints are in the long arm of chromosome 7B and the short arm of chromosome 5B. The translocation chromosome bearing the 5B^L pairing inhibitor was obtained as a homozygous aneuploid (19^II+T ₁ ^II ). The heterozygous aneuploid hemizygous for the pairing inhibitor (19^II+5B+T₂) was used to produce intergeneric hybrids. Only a small percentage were of the high-pairing type (17%), the majority having received chromosome 5B through the egg. This indicates a strong selection against eggs containing the translocation chromosome deficient for the pairing inhibitor.     

Fragment chromosomes in Myrmeleotettix maculatus (Thunb.)

Structural changes involving fragmentation and the deletion of chromosome material have resulted in the production of morphological variants of the standard B chromosomes of Myrmeleotettix maculatus. Three distinct types are described — a considerably reduced B^st chromosome with a sub-terminal centromere and a large and small telocentric fragment. In addition, the B^st chromosome can itself give rise to a small telocentric fragment. The fact that such telocentric fragments have been found only in mosaic germ lines implies a lack of stability and an inability to perpetuate themselves between generations. The non-reciprocal translocation of one such fragment onto the short arm of a metacentric autosome does little to improve the efficiency of its transmission from one generation to another. The behaviour of autosomal fragments, discovered in both the M₆ and S₈ chromosomes of this species, parallels that of B fragments. Only the B^st chromosomes appear both mitotically and meiotically stable.     

Extrachromosomal Element Delta in DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER. VIII. Inseparable Association with Sensitive Second Chromosome

The presence of delta is always accompanied by a sensitive second chromosome in Drosophila melanogaster or vice versa. The separability of delta and the chromosome line was investigated in experiments designed to eliminate delta or to suppress its multiplication for a number of generations. Cy/S^b-5 males which transmit a minute amount of delta b (retained by chromosome S^b, kills S^b/S^b and S^b/S^r zygotes) to their progeny were backcrossed for 61 generations to Cy/Pm females which carried no delta. After backcrossing 465 Cy/S^b-5 males were individually examined for retention of delta, and all were found to retain delta b in its latent state. A homozygous strain for the S^r-20B chromosome which retained a minute amount of delta r (retained by chromosome S^r, kills S^r/S^r zygotes) was obtained. 1,252 Cy/S^r-20B females derived from the homozygous strains at the 21st generation were tested individually for delta retention. All females tested were found to retain delta r in its latent state. The delta retention in S^b-5 chromosome lines isolated from S^r-Cy/S^b-5 heterozygous strains which carried delta r but not delta b was examined. The descendant Cy/S^b-5 lines from the heterozygous strains had accumulated their specific delta, delta b. These findings are consistent with those obtained in an earlier study, and lead to the conclusion that delta is associated inseparably with each specific sensitive chromosome.     

Transmission and phenotypic effect of a duplicate chromosome segment in maize

Summary The chromosome B⁴, extracted from the translocation TB-4a (involving chromosome 4 and a B chromosome) was transferred into stocks with normal complement. This chromosome carried 75% of the short arm of chromosome 4 and was provided with a B centromere. Loss in somatic tissues, in meiotic divisions and through gametophyte competition in the pollen was investigated by cytological and genetical means. Nondisjunction in the second microspore division of the B⁴, in the presence of a normal chromosome 4, was not frequently observed. Sectoring in endosperm tissues, after appropriate crosses, presumably indicated either late replication of this chromosome and loss during endosperm development, and/or inactivation of the Su locus which is near the breakage point of the translocation with the B chromosome. Reduced vigor of the plants carrying one or two B⁴ chromosomes was interpreted as an effect of the duplication. There are indications that hyperploidy for this specific region may affect the kernel size and weight.This work was supported by C.N.R., N.A.T.O. and Indiana University funds.     

The effects of tandem duplications on crossing over inDrosophila melanogaster

Each of three tandem duplications,Bar, Beadex ^r49k andDp(I)z-w, when homozygous increases crossing over in their environs in excess of the genetic length of the duplication.Detailed crossing over studies withDp(I)z-w showed that in the duplication homozygotes interference is reduced and when combined with heterologous autosomal inversions, double crossovers occurring in less than 10 map units are readily recovered.These results are interpreted in terms of the concept of effective pairing and suggest that tandem duplications increase crossing over by increasing effective pairing.     

Non-homologous synaptonemal complex formation in a heteromorphic bivalent in Keyacris scurra (Morabinae,Orthoptera)

In some populations of the grasshopper Keyacris scurra, there are many individuals heterozygous for centromere position polymorphisms. From a consideration of chiasma positions these are almost certainly due to pericentric inversions. In this species, as in other grasshoppers, the deleterious effects of chiasmata within these heterozygous regions are avoided by non-homologous, straight pairing. Reconstruction of synaptonemal complexes from two adjacent pachytene nuclei in an individual heterozygous for centromere position (telo/metacentric) on the second longest (CD) bivalent by electron microscopy of serial sections allowed the identification of all the bivalents. The centromeres were identified by characteristic densestaining material. The synaptonemal complex was found to form straight through the heteromorphic region, including both centromere positions. The pairing was clearly non-homologous at these asymmetrical centromere positions, and probably therefore, in the presumably inverted region between them. This regular non-homologous pairing explains why chiasmata never form in the heterozygous region, but does not conclusively prove that the rearrangement is an inversion rather than a centric transposition.     

Influence of different B-complex recombinants on the outcome of Rous sarcomas in chickens

Seven major histocompatibility (B) complex recombinants were evaluated for anti-Rous sarcoma response. In experiment 1, the B^R5(F21-G19) recombinant haplotype both homozygous and in heterozygous combinations with B¹⁹ and B²¹ haplotypes were compared to B¹⁹/B¹⁹ and B²¹/B²¹ chickens to determine the relative influence of the B^F versus B^G chromosomal segments on regression of Rous sarcoma virus-induced tumours. In experiment 2, six recombinant haplotypes B^R1(F24-G23), B^R2(F2-G23), B^R3(F2-G23), B^R4(F2-G23), B^R6(F21-G23) and B^R8(F2-G2a,23) present in chickens heterozygous for normal haplotypes B¹⁹, B²³ or B²⁶ were compared for anti-sarcoma response. A total of 1328 chickens were blood typed for B alloanti-gens at 17 days of age, inoculated in the wingweb with Rous sarcoma virus at 6 weeks and monitored for anti-tumour immune response over a 10-week period. Genotypes which shared the same B^F haplotype, but differed in their B^G regions, had similar anti-tumour responses, implicating the B^F but not the B^G region in tumour regression. Chickens carrying B^F2 or B^F21 had a strong anti-tumour response, while B^F24 conferred a weaker response, regardless of the accompanying normal haplotype.     

Frequency of sister chromatid exchanges in a balanced reciprocal whole-arm translocation

Summary The frequency of sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs) in the centromere of chromosomes involved in a whole-arm translocation t(1;19) was evaluated in altogether 911 metaphases of translocation carriers (n=5) and of normal controls (n=6). Comparison of the two groups reveals no significant differences in the SCE rate (x ²=3.06, n _f =1). The question as to whether the possible increase of the SCE rate at the translocation point could be detected by light microscopy is discussed. Parameters included in the discussion are the ratio of the SCE frequency at the translocation point to the SCE frequency at any of the possible breakage points in the centromeric region and the number of possible breakage points in the centromeric region.     

Assessing hybrid sterility in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Oryza glaberrima</Emphasis> × <Emphasis Type="Italic">O. sativa</Emphasis> hybrid progenies by PCR marker analysis and crossing with wide compatibility varieties

Interspecific crossing of the African indigenous rice Oryza glaberrima with Oryza sativa cultivars is hindered by crossing barriers causing 100% spikelet sterility in F₁ hybrids. Since hybrids are partially female fertile, fertility can be restored by back crossing (BC) to a recurrent male parent. Distinct genetic models on spikelet sterility have been developed predicting, e.g., the existence of a gamete eliminator and/or a pollen killer. Linkage of sterility to the waxy starch synthase gene and the chromogen gene C, both located on chromosome 6, have been demonstrated. We selected a segregating BC₂F₃ population of semi-sterile O. glaberrima × O. sativa indica hybrid progenies for analyses with PCR markers located at the respective chromosome-6 region. These analyses revealed that semi-sterile plants were heterozygous for a marker (OSR25) located in the waxy promoter, whereas fertile progenies were homozygous for the O. glaberrima allele. Adjacent markers showed no linkage to spikelet sterility. Semi-sterility of hybrid progenies was maintained at least until the F₄ progeny generation, suggesting the existence of a pollen killer in this plant material. Monitoring of reproductive plant development showed that spikelet sterility was at least partially due to an arrest of pollen development at the microspore stage. In order to address the question whether genes responsible for F₁ sterility in intraspecific hybrids (O. sativa indica × japonica) also cause spikelet sterility in interspecific hybrids, crossings with wide compatibility varieties (WCV) were performed. WCV accessions possess "neutral" S-loci (Sⁿ) improving fertility in intraspecific hybrids. This experiment showed that the tested Sⁿ-loci had no fertility restoring effect in F₁ interspecific hybrids. Pollen development was completely arrested at the microspore stage and grains were never obtained after selfing. This suggests that distinct or additional S-loci are responsible for sterility of O. glaberrima × O. sativa hybrids.Communicated by H.C. Becker     

Possible affinity between linkage groups V and XIII of the house mouse

Summary A possible quasi-linkage 4. is reported between linkage groups V and XIII of the house mouse. This places the centromere nearS _p if it is assumed that quasi-linkage effects are caused by the segregation of unlike centromeres. However, interference is more intense in this region than is expected for a centromeric region. There is some evidence from linkage group V data that interference in the house mouse is more intense than inDrosophila or maize. If this is true, a centromere in the region ofS _p would not be in disagreement with the interference data.     

Spore killer, a chromosomal factor in neurospora that kills meiotic products not containing it

Three chromosomal factors called Spore killer (Sk) have been found in wild populations of Neurospora sitophila and N. intermedia. Sk resembles other examples of meiotic drive such as Segregation Distorter in Drosophila, Pollen killer in wheat, and Gamete eliminator in tomato. In crosses heterozygous for Sk, each ascus contains four viable black ascospores and four inviable, undersize, clear ascospores, with second-division segregations infrequent. The survivors contain the killer allele Sk^K, while unlinked markers segregate normally. Reciprocal crosses are identical. When crosses are homozygous for an allele of Sk, all eight ascospores are viable and black in most asci. (Many homozygous crosses have a background level of randomly occurring inviable spores; however, the pattern of 4 viable: 4 small clear ascospores is not found in any of the asci of Sk-homozygous crosses.)——Killer (Sk-1^K) and sensitive (Sk-1^S) alleles occur in about equal numbers among a worldwide sample of N. sitophila strains, following no geographic pattern. No killer allele has been found in N. crassa. Sk-2^K and Sk-3^K, found in N. intermedia, are rare. Most N. intermedia strains are Sk-2^S and Sk-3^S, but some are wholly or partially resistant to one or both of the killer alleles, while not themselves acting as killers. Sk-2^K and Sk-2^R are both specific in conferring resistance to Sk-2^K, but not to Sk-3^K. Likewise Sk-3^K and Sk-3^R are resistant specifically to Sk-3^K, but not to Sk-2^K. Resistance segregates as an allele of Sk^K.——Sk-2 and Sk-3 have been mapped near the centromere of linkage group III after introgression into N. crassa, where crossing over is normally 11% between the proximal III markers acr-2 and leu-1. But crossing over is absent in this region when either of the killer alleles is heterozygous (Sk-2^K x Sk-2^S, Sk-3^K x Sk-3^S and Sk-2^K x Sk-2^R have been examined).     

An Analysis of Regional Constraints on Exchange in DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER Using Recombination-Defective Meiotic Mutants

The frequency of crossing over per unit of physical distance varies systematically along the chromosomes of Drosophila melanogaster . The regional distribution of crossovers in a series of X chromosomes of the same genetic constitution, but having different sequences, was compared in the presence and absence of normal genetically mediated regional constraints on exchange. Recombination was examined in Drosophila melanogaster females homozygous for either normal sequence X chromosomes or any of a series of X chromosome inversions. Autosomally, these females were either (1) wild type, (2) homozygous for one of several recombination-defective meiotic mutations that attenuate the normal regional constraints on exchange or (3) heterozygous for the multiply inverted chromosome TM2. The results show that the centromere, the telomeres, the heterochromatin and the euchromatic-heterochromatic junction do not serve as elements that respond to genic determinants of the regional distribution of exchanges. Instead, the results suggest that there are several elements sparsely distributed in the X chromosome euchromatin. Together with the controlling system affected by recombination-defective meiotic mutations, these elements specify the regional distribution of exchanges. The results also demonstrate that the alteration in the distribution of crossovers caused by inversion heterozygosity (the interchromosomal effect) results from the response of a normal controlling system to an overall increase in the frequency of crossing over, rather than from a disruption of the system of regional constraints on exchange that is disrupted by meiotic mutations. The mechanisms by which regional constraints on exchange might be established are discussed, as is the possible evolutionary significance of this system.     

Effect of Four Coat Color Mutations (Cr,S, SH,and h) on Brain Monoamine Oxidase in Mink

Activity of A and B types of monoamine oxidase (MAO) has been investigated in the brain stem and brain hemispheres of mink males of five genotypes for coat color mutations: standard dark-brown (+/+); heterozygous for the semidominant mutation Black crystal(Cr/+); homozygous for the semidominant mutation Black cross, or 95% White (S/S); heterozygous for the semidominant mutationShadow(S ^H/+); and homozygous for the semirecessive mutation hedlund white(h/h). The main changes in the activity of the A and B MAO types occur in the brain hemispheres. A reduced activity of MAO A has been recorded in the hemispheres of Black crystalminks (Cr/+) and an elevated activity, in the hemispheres of Shadow(S ^H/+) and 95% White(S/S). The activity of MAO B is reduced in the hemispheres of Black crystaland elevated in the hemispheres of hedlund white(h/h). An increased MAO A activity has also been recorded in the brain stem of Shadowminks (S ^H/+). It is suggested that genes controlling coat color have a pleiotropic effect on sexual behavior in males and the endocrine function of testicles mediated by a putative change in the metabolism of brain neurotransmitters, substrates of MAOs A and B.     

Cytogenetics of an intrachromosomal transposition in Neurospora

Knowledge of intrachromosomal transpositions has until now been primarily cytological and has been limited to Drosophila and to humans, in both of which segmental shifts can be recognized by altered banding patterns. There has been little genetic information. In this study, we describe the genetic and cytogenetic properties of a transposition in Neurospora crassa. In Tp(IRIL)T54M94, a 20 map unit segment of linkage group I has been excised from its normal position and inserted near the centromere in the opposite arm, in inverted order. In crosses heterozygous for the transposition, about one-fifth of surviving progeny are duplications carrying the transposed segment in both positions. These result from crossing over in the interstitial region. There is no corresponding class of progeny duplicated for the interstitial segment. The duplication strains are barren in test crosses. A complementary deficiency class is represented by unpigmented, inviable ascospores. Extent of the duplication was determined by duplication-coverage tests. Orientation of the transposed segment was determined using Tp x Tp crosses heterozygous for markers inside and outside the transposed segment, and position of the insertion relative to the centromere was established using quasi-ordered half-tetrads from crosses x Spore killer. Quelling was observed in the primary transformants that were used to introduce a critical marker into the transposed segment by repeat-induced point mutation (RIP).     

Crossover Suppressors and Balanced Recessive Lethals in CAENORHABDITIS ELEGANS

Two dominant suppressors of crossing over have been identified following X-ray treatment of the small nematode C. elegans. They suppress crossing over in linkage group II (LGII) about 100-fold and 50-fold and are both tightly linked to LGII markers. One, called C1, segregates independently of all other linkage groups and is homozygous fertile. The other is a translocation involving LGII and X. The translocation also suppresses crossing over along the right half of X and is homozygous lethal. C1 has been used as a balancer of LGII recessive lethal and sterile mutations induced by EMS. The frequencies of occurrence of lethals and steriles were approximately equal. Fourteen mutations were assigned to complementation groups and mapped. They tended to map in the same region where LGII visibles are clustered.     

A review of the effects of the Booroola gene (FecB) on sheep production

Booroola Merino (B^oM) ewes have a high ovulation rate and litter size which in 1980 was postulated to be due to the effects of a major gene (FecB). This was confirmed in breeding experiments and FecB was subsequently shown to be due to a mutation (BMPR-1B) on chromosome 6. The B^oM originated from an Australian commercial fine wool Merino flock (Booroola) and has been used in crossing experiments and for introgression of FecB into many breeds around the world to improve fecundity. The mutation has recently been found in native sheep breeds in India, China and Indonesia and it is likely that FecB in the Australian B^oM was derived from importations of Garole sheep from India in 1792 and 1793.The effects on production traits of the FecB mutation in a range of genetic comparisons, environments and production systems are reviewed. Comparisons involving B^oM crosses with various other breeds and contrasts of FecB homozygous (BB), heterozygous (B+) and non-carrier (++) genotypes in comparable background genotypes, including non-B^oM, have been summarised from 45 reports. The weighted mean effect for ewes carrying one copy of FecB (B+) was +1.3 (range +0.8 to +2.0) for ovulation rate and +0.7 (range +0.4 to +1.3) for litter size. The effect of a second copy (BB) was generally additive for ovulation rate, with little or no increase in litter size for BB ewes among B^oM crosses. However there was generally a further increase in litter size for BB ewes of about half the effect of one copy (B+) in the Indian and Chinese breeds. Poor lamb survival and lamb growth reduced the number of lambs weaned and total weight of lamb weaned by B+ ewes. Most studies still showed a small advantage for B+ ewes, although several reported negative effects. While embryo survival declines at higher ovulation rates, the effects of FecB per se are equivocal. There is some evidence of a higher non-pregnancy rate among homozygous BB ewes. Most studies reported lower birth weight and growth rate from B^oM cross lambs and lambs from crossbred ewes introgressed with FecB. However it is difficult to separate the effects of low background genetic merit for growth of the B^oM and the lower birth weight and growth rate of lambs from larger litters from the genetic effect of carrying FecB. There was little or no difference in growth rate between BB, B+ and ++ genotype lambs. For other traits including, seasonal oestrous activity, carcass and meat quality and wool production, there was no evidence of major effects of FecB. The opportunities for management and nutritional modification of FecB expression and implications for industry adoption are briefly discussed.     

Intra-H-2 recombination inH-2b/H-2t1 heterozygotes in the mouse

Four cases of intra-H-2 recombination were detected during serological screening of 1066 backcross animals produced fromH-2^b/H-2^t1 heterozygous mice. Three of the intra-H-2 recombinants received theK region fromH-2^t1 and theD region from theH-2^b parental chromosome. The remaining recombinant received theK region from theH-2^b parental chromosome and theD region fromH-2^t1. Three of the four recombinants have been developed into inbred lines TBR2, TBR3, and TBR4 and were assigned the haplotype designations at², at³, and at⁴. Ss typing revealed that TBR2 and TBR3 originated fromK- S interval crossover events, while the remaining two recombinants resulted from crossing over in theS- D interval.