Chromosomal characteristics of rDNA in European grayling Thymallus thymallus (Salmonidae).

The chromosomal characteristics, locations and variations of two classes of ribosomal DNA (5S and 18S) were studied in European grayling karyotype (Thymallus thymallus, Salmonidae). Major rDNA sites as revealed by sequential CMA3/Ag staining and confirmed by in situ hybridization with a 18S rDNA probe were situated in two loci and were found to be polymorphic in size and displaying several distinct forms. The 5S rDNA was located by PRINS on three pairs of subtelocentric chromosomes, additional minor signal was present at the centromere of one metacentric element. 5S sites were not associated with NORs. The dosage compensation mechanism was proposed as an explanation of high frequency of lethal rDNA-deleted forms of the NOR-bearing chromosomes. Double variable pattern in the number and location of NORs supported the bi-directional evolution of salmonid rDNA loci.