Conserved patterns in the evolution of Tribolium satellite DNAs

Two satellite DNAs, TANAPH and TDEST, isolated from the beetle species Tribolium anaphe and Tribolium destructor, respectively, are characterized and compared with previously described Tribolium satellites, in order to deduce possible constraints on satellite sequence evolution between closely related species. Sequence diversity analysis of cloned monomers reveals the presence of variable and conserved segments in both satellites. In addition, non-random organization of As or Ts and their periodical distribution in the form of A or T >/=3 tracts, as well as CENP-B box-like motifs and dyad structures have been found in both satellites. Similar structural features are also present in satellites from other Tribolium species. We therefore propose that they, together with the observed non-constant rate of evolution along the satellite sequence, could be related to putative protein binding sites and suggest a possible selective pressure affecting these sequences. Tribolium satellites, including TANAPH and TDEST, are located in the pericentromeric heterochromatin of all chromosomes of the corresponding species. Since satellites from different species exhibit no significant sequence homology, we propose that they did not originate from a common ancestral sequence. More probably, they derive from simple sequence modules some of which could represent protein binding sites. Shuffling of simple sequence modules could generate different satellites, able to perform a similar role in different species.