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Background <p>Comparative genomic studies in birds have revealed that bird genomes are relatively repeat-poor and stable in terms of karyotype, size, and gene synteny/collinearity compared to other vertebrates. One notable exception is the owls, with cytogenetic studies demonstrating large variations in karyotypes and the evolution of unusual centromeric satellite repeats in some species. However, there has so far not been an investigation into genome architecture and repeat landscape of owls.</p> Results <p>Here, we present a chromosome-level genome assembly for the snowy owl (<i>Bubo scandiacus</i>). We find that the repeat DNA content in the relatively large snowy owl genome (1.6&#xa0;Gb) is among the highest reported for any bird genome to date (28.34% compared to an average of ~ 10% in other birds). The bulk of the snowy owl genomic repeat landscape consists of extensive centromeric satellite arrays that form large contiguous blocks across multiple chromosomes. These arrays represent one of the largest centromeric satellite expansions reported in birds and are consistent with rapid turnover and amplification of centromeric repeats. Using gene collinearity analyses we show that the position of the centromeres are not homologous with chicken centromeres, and are located in regions with collinearity breaks to other bird genomes due to chromosomal rearrangements.</p> Conclusions <p>Our results support rapid satellite turnover at lineage-specific centromeres, which could have played a role in centromeric drive, reproductive isolation and speciation of the snowy owl. The extensive centromeric satellite arrays uncovered in this genome highlight centromere evolution as a potentially important driver of genome evolution in owls.<!-- Query ID="Q1" Text="Please confirm if the author names are presented accurately and in the correct sequence (given name, middle name/initial, family name). Author 1 Given name: [specify authors given name] Last name [specify authors last name]. Also, kindly confirm the details in the metadata are correct." --></p>

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Centromeric satellite expansion drives genome evolution in the snowy owl

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2026年6月30日

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  • Helle Tessand Baalsrud,
  • Benedicte Garmann-Aarhus,
  • Emily Louise Gilbert Enevoldsen,
  • Anders Kristian Krabberød,
  • Fischer,
  • Dominik,
  • Ave Tooming-Klunderud,
  • Morten Skage,
  • Mariann Árnyasi,
  • Simen Rød Sandve,
  • Kjetill Sigurd Jakobsen,
  • Rasmus Nielsen,
  • Sanne Boessenkool,
  • Ole Kristian Tørresen

摘要

Background

Comparative genomic studies in birds have revealed that bird genomes are relatively repeat-poor and stable in terms of karyotype, size, and gene synteny/collinearity compared to other vertebrates. One notable exception is the owls, with cytogenetic studies demonstrating large variations in karyotypes and the evolution of unusual centromeric satellite repeats in some species. However, there has so far not been an investigation into genome architecture and repeat landscape of owls.

Results

Here, we present a chromosome-level genome assembly for the snowy owl (Bubo scandiacus). We find that the repeat DNA content in the relatively large snowy owl genome (1.6 Gb) is among the highest reported for any bird genome to date (28.34% compared to an average of ~ 10% in other birds). The bulk of the snowy owl genomic repeat landscape consists of extensive centromeric satellite arrays that form large contiguous blocks across multiple chromosomes. These arrays represent one of the largest centromeric satellite expansions reported in birds and are consistent with rapid turnover and amplification of centromeric repeats. Using gene collinearity analyses we show that the position of the centromeres are not homologous with chicken centromeres, and are located in regions with collinearity breaks to other bird genomes due to chromosomal rearrangements.

Conclusions

Our results support rapid satellite turnover at lineage-specific centromeres, which could have played a role in centromeric drive, reproductive isolation and speciation of the snowy owl. The extensive centromeric satellite arrays uncovered in this genome highlight centromere evolution as a potentially important driver of genome evolution in owls.