Bioinformatic and fine-scale chromosomal mapping reveal the nature and evolution of eliminated chromosomes in the Japanese hagfish, Eptatretus burgeri, through analysis of repetitive DNA families

In the Japanese hagfish, Eptatretus burgeri, approximately 21% of the genomic DNA in germ cells (2n = 52) consists of 16 chromosomes (eliminated [E]-chromosomes) that are eliminated from presumptive somatic cells (2n = 36). To uncover the eliminated genome (E-genome), we have identified 16 eliminated repetitive DNA families from eight hagfish species, with 11 of these repeats being selectively amplified in the germline genome of E. burgeri. Furthermore, we have demonstrated that six of these sequences, namely EEEb1-6, are exclusively localized on all 16 E-chromosomes. This has led to the hypothesis that the eight pairs of E-chromosomes are derived from one pair of ancestral chromosomes via multiple duplication events over a prolonged evolutionary period. NGS analysis has recently facilitated the re-assembly of two distinct draft genomes of E. burgeri, derived from the testis and liver. This advancement allows for the prediction of not only nonrepetitive eliminated sequences but also over 100 repetitive and eliminated sequences, accomplished through K-mer-based analysis. In this study, we report four novel eliminated repetitive DNA sequences (designated as EEEb7-10) and confirm the relative chromosomal localization of all eliminated repeats (EEEb1-10) by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). With the exception of EEEb10, all sequences were exclusively detected on EEEb1-positive chromosomes. Surprisingly, EEEb10 was detected as an intense signal on EEEb1-positive chromosomes and as a scattered signal on other chromosomes in germ cells. The study further divided the eight pairs of E-chromosomes into six groups based on the signal distribution of each DNA family, and fiber-FISH experiments showed that the EEEb2-10 family was dispersed in the EEEb1-positive extended chromatin fiber. These findings provide new insights into the mechanisms underlying chromosome elimination and the evolution of E-chromosomes, supporting our previous hypothesis.

Automated summary

A study found that in Japanese hagfish, approximately 21% of the genomic DNA in germ cells consists of 16 chromosomes that are eliminated from somatic cells. The researchers identified 16 eliminated repetitive DNA families, with 6 sequences specifically localized on the eliminated chromosomes, supporting the hypothesis that the eight pairs of E-chromosomes are derived from an ancestral chromosomes pair. Through NGS analysis, the researchers also predicted over 100 repetitive and eliminated sequences. They discovered four novel eliminated repetitive DNA sequences and confirmed the chromosomal localization of all eliminated repeats using FISH.