Clusters of Repetitive DNA Sequences in Chromosomes of Voles of the Subgenus Microtus (Microtus, Arvicolidae)

Abstract

The study is focused on the analysis of the mechanisms underlying the formation and distribution of repeat clusters in mammalian chromosomes, as exemplified by a group of closely related species of voles of the subgenus Microtus (Microtus, Arvicolini). The distribution of repetitive sequences that are the parts of de novo formed heterochromatic regions of Microtus arvalis in two chromosomal forms of this species and three closely related species, M. rossiaemeridionalis, M. kirgisorum, and M. transcaspicus, was analyzed in detail. Possible relationships between the introduction of repetitive sequences, their transpositions, amplification, and the formation of reproductive isolation, which can lead to speciation, are discussed.