Molecular cytogenetic detection of paternal chromosome fragments in allogynogenetic gibel carp, Carassius auratus gibelio Bloch

In gynogenesis, sperm from related species activates egg and embryonic development, but normally does not contribute genetically to the offspring. In gibel carp, Carassius auratus gibelio Bloch, however, gynogenetic offspring often show some phenotypes apparently derived from the heterologous sperm donor. This paternal effect of allogynogenesis is outstanding in an artificial clone F produced by cold treatment of clone E eggs after insemination with blunt-nose black bream (Megaloabrama amblycephala Yin) sperm. Karyotype analysis revealed 5-15 supernumerary microchromosomes in different individuals of clone F in addition to 156 normal chromosomes inherited from the maternal clone E. A painting probe was prepared from the microdissected microchromosomes, and used to investigate the origin of these microchromosomes. Strong positive signals were detected on each microchromosomes of clone F and on 4 pairs of chromosomes in blunt-nose black bream, whereas no signals were detected on the chromosomes of clone E. This result indicates that some paternal chromosome fragments of blunt-nose black bream have been incorporated into the artificial clone F. Therefore, the manipulation of allogynogenesis may provide a unique method to transfer DNA between diverse species for fish breeding.

Karyotypic diversity in polyploid gibel carp, Carassius auratus gibelio Bloch

Polyploid gibel carp, Carassius auratus gibelio, is an excellent model system for evolutionary genetics owing to its specific genetic background and reproductive modes. Comparative karyotype studies were performed in three cultured clones, one artificially manipulated group, and one mated group between two clones. Both the clones A and P had 156 chromosomes in their karyotypes, with 36 metacentric, 54 submetacentric, 36 subtelocentric, 24 acrocentric, and six small chromosomes. The karyotype of clone D contained 162 chromosomes, with 42 metacentric, 54 submetacentric, 36 subtelocentric, 24 acrocentric, and six small chromosomes. All the three clones had six small chromosomes in common. Group G, being originated from the clone D by artificial manipulation, showed supernumerary microchromosomes or chromosomal fragments, in addition to the normal chromosome complement that was identical to the clone D. The offspring from mating between clones D and A had 159 chromosomes. Comparing with the clone A, the DA offspring showed three extra metacentric chromosomes. In addition, variable RAPD fingerprint patterns and unusual SCAR marker inheritance were, respectively, detected among individuals of artificial group G and in the mated DA offspring. Both the chromosome and molecular findings suggest that genome reshuffling might have occurred by manipulation or mating of the clones.