A1 Journal article (refereed)
Expansion of rDNA and pericentromere satellite repeats in the genomes of bank voles Myodes glareolus exposed to environmental radionuclides (2021)

Jernfors, T., Danforth, J., Kesäniemi, J., Lavrinienko, A., Tukalenko, E., Fajkus, J., Dvořáčková, M., Mappes, T., & Watts, P. C. (2021). Expansion of rDNA and pericentromere satellite repeats in the genomes of bank voles Myodes glareolus exposed to environmental radionuclides. Ecology and Evolution, 11(13), 8754-8767. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.7684

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Jernfors, Toni; Danforth, John; Kesäniemi, Jenni; Lavrinienko, Anton; Tukalenko, Eugene; Fajkus, Jiří; Dvořáčková, Martina; Mappes, Tapio; Watts, Phillip C.

Journal or series: Ecology and Evolution

ISSN: 2045-7758

eISSN: 2045-7758

Publication year: 2021

Publication date: 25/05/2021

Volume: 11

Issue number: 13

Pages range: 8754-8767

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Publication country: United Kingdom

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.7684

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Open Access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/76134

Abstract

Altered copy number of certain highly repetitive regions of the genome, such as satellite DNA within heterochromatin and ribosomal RNA loci (rDNA), is hypothesized to help safeguard the genome against damage derived from external stressors. We quantified copy number of the 18S rDNA and a pericentromeric satellite DNA (Msat-160) in bank voles (Myodes glareolus) inhabiting the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone (CEZ), an area that is contaminated by radionuclides and where organisms are exposed to elevated levels of ionizing radiation. We found a significant increase in 18S rDNA and Msat-160 content in the genomes of bank voles from contaminated locations within the CEZ compared with animals from uncontaminated locations. Moreover, 18S rDNA and Msat-160 copy number were positively correlated in the genomes of bank voles from uncontaminated, but not in the genomes of animals inhabiting contaminated, areas. These results show the capacity for local-scale geographic variation in genome architecture and are consistent with the genomic safeguard hypothesis. Disruption of cellular processes related to genomic stability appears to be a hallmark effect in bank voles inhabiting areas contaminated by radionuclides.

Keywords: radiobiology; ionising radiation; DNA; wildlife; Clethrionomys glareolus; Chernobyl Nuclear Accident

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Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2021

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