B chromosomes: from cytogenetics to systems biology

• Main Author: Valente, Guilherme T. [UNESP]
• Publication Date: 2017
• Other Authors: Nakajima, Rafael T. [UNESP], Fantinatti, Bruno E. A. [UNESP], Marques, Diego F. [UNESP], Almeida, Rodrigo O. [UNESP], Simões, Rafael P. [UNESP], Martins, Cesar [UNESP]
• Format: Other
• Language: eng
• Source: Repositório Institucional da UNESP
• Download full: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00412-016-0613-6; http://hdl.handle.net/11449/178224
• topic: Cytogenomics; Evolution; Genomics; Supernumerary chromosomes

Though hundreds to thousands of reports have described the distribution of B chromosomes among diverse eukaryote groups, a comprehensive theory of their biological role has not yet clearly emerged. B chromosomes are classically understood as a sea of repetitive DNA sequences that are poor in genes and are maintained by a parasitic-drive mechanism during cell division. Recent developments in high-throughput DNA/RNA analyses have increased the resolution of B chromosome biology beyond those of classical and molecular cytogenetic methods; B chromosomes contain many transcriptionally active sequences, including genes, and can modulate the activity of autosomal genes. Furthermore, the most recent knowledge obtained from omics analyses, which is associated with a systemic view, has demonstrated that B chromosomes can influence cell biology in a complex way, possibly favoring their own maintenance and perpetuation.