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- Title
A phylogenetically informed search for an alternative Macrostomum model species, with notes on taxonomy, mating behavior, karyology, and genome size.
- Authors
Schärer, Lukas; Brand, Jeremias N.; Singh, Pragya; Zadesenets, Kira S.; Stelzer, Claus‐Peter; Viktorin, Gudrun
- Abstract
The free‐living flatworm Macrostomum lignano is used as a model in a range of research fields—including aging, bioadhesion, stem cells, and sexual selection—culminating in the establishment of genome assemblies and transgenics. However, the Macrostomum community has run into a roadblock following the discovery of an unusual genome organization in M. lignano, which could now impair the development of additional resources and tools. Briefly, M. lignano has undergone a whole‐genome duplication, followed by rediploidization into a 2n = 8 karyotype (distinct from the canonical 2n = 6 karyotype in the genus). Although this karyotype appears visually diploid, it is in fact a hidden tetraploid (with rarer 2n = 9 and 2n = 10 individuals being pentaploid and hexaploid, respectively). Here, we report on a phylogenetically informed search for close relatives of M. lignano, aimed at uncovering alternative Macrostomum models with the canonical karyotype and a simple genome organization. We taxonomically describe three new species: the first, Macrostomum janickei n. sp., is the closest known relative of M. lignano and shares its derived genome organization; the second, Macrostomum mirumnovem n. sp., has an even more unusual genome organization, with a highly variable karyotype based on a 2n = 9 base pattern; and the third, Macrostomum cliftonensis n. sp., does not only show the canonical 2n = 6 karyotype, but also performs well under standard laboratory culture conditions and fulfills many other requirements. M. cliftonensis is a viable candidate for replacing M. lignano as the primary Macrostomum model, being outcrossing and having an estimated haploid genome size of only 231 Mbp.
- Subjects
KARYOTYPES; GENOME size; ANIMAL courtship; BIOLOGICAL classification; SPECIES; CYTOGENETICS; STEM cells; CHROMOSOME analysis
- Publication
Journal of Zoological Systematics & Evolutionary Research, 2020, Vol 58, Issue 1, p41
- ISSN
0947-5745
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1111/jzs.12344