[Genomic instability in sunflower interspecific hybrids].

Area of Science:

• Plant genetics
• Molecular biology
• Genomics

Context:

• Investigating genomic instability in interspecific hybrids (ISHs) and introgressive lines (ILs) of cultivated sunflower (Helianthus annuus).
• Assessing instability at phenotypic (morphological, protein electrophoresis) and molecular (DNA amplification) levels.
• Examining variation in ISHs and ILs derived from crosses with perennial Helianthus species.

Purpose:

• To study the expression and characteristics of genomic instability in sunflower interspecific hybrids and introgressive lines.
• To determine the role of genome shock and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) in inducing genomic variation.
• To explore the potential of MGE fragments for sunflower genotyping.

Summary:

• Genomic instability was observed in sunflower interspecific hybrids and introgressive lines, evidenced by phenotypic traits and molecular markers (RAPD).
• Identical polymorphic variants in seed storage protein (helianthinin) and DNA fragments suggest nonrandom genome variation, potentially induced by interspecific hybridization.
• Active mobile genetic elements (MGEs), including MuDR, Far1, CACTA, Stowaway, and Tourist, were identified, correlating with genomic reorganizations.

Impact:

• Demonstrates the nonrandom nature of genome variation in sunflower interspecific hybrids, likely driven by genome shock.
• Highlights the significant role of mobile genetic elements (MGEs) in inducing genomic instability and variation.
• Establishes the potential utility of MGE fragments for developing novel genotyping methods in sunflowers.