New publication: Comparative analyses of DNA repeats and identification of a novel Fesreba centromeric element in fescues and ryegrasses

New publication: Comparative analyses of DNA repeats and identification of a novel Fesreba centromeric element in fescues and ryegrasses
Annotation: 
Grasses are an important source of food for domestic animals worldwide and perform important ecological and environmental functions. Here we report on characterization of repetitive DNA sequences in nuclear genomes of ten representatives of fescues (Festuca spp.) and ryegrasses (Lolium spp.). We performed global analysis of repetitive DNA sequences and characterized their abundance and variability after partial Illumina sequencing. Apart from detailed characterization of repetitive part of fescue and ryegrass genomes, we assembled DNA sequence of an LTR element, which is highly enriched in centromeric and (peri)centromeric chromosome regions in all ten genotypes. A combined use of FISH with a probe specific to the element and immunostaining with CENH3 antibody confirmed their association and indicated a probable role of the LTR element in centromere function.

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