Genome-wide sequence divergence of satellite DNA could underlie meiotic failure in male hybrids of bighead catfish and North African catfish (Clarias, Clariidae)
Artem Lisachov, Thitipong Panthum, Dmitrij Dedukh, Worapong Singchat, Syed Farhan Ahmad, Pish Wattanadilokcahtkun, Thanyapat Thong, Phanitada Srikampa, Kantika Noito, Ryan Rasoarahona, Ekaphan Kraichak, Narongrit Muangmai, Satid Chatchaiphan, Kednapat Sriphairoj, Sittichai Hatachote, Aingorn Chaiyes, Chatchawan Jantasuriyarat, Sahabhop Dokkaew, Visarut Chailertlit, Warong Suksavate, Jumaporn Sonongbua, Jiraboon Prasanpan, Sunchai Payungporn, Kyudong Han, Agostinho Antunes, Prapansak Srisapoome, Akihiko Koga, Prateep Duengkae, Uthairat Na‐Nakorn, Yoichi Matsuda, Kornsorn Srikulnath
Abstract
Hybrid sterility, a hallmark of postzygotic isolation, arises from parental genome divergence disrupting meiosis. While chromosomal incompatibility is often implicated, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigated meiotic behavior and genome-wide divergence in bighead catfish (C. macrocephalus), North African catfish (C. gariepinus), and their sterile male hybrids (important in aquaculture). Repetitive DNA analysis using bioinformatics and cytogenetics revealed significant divergence in satellite DNA (satDNA) families between parental species. Notably, one hybrid exhibited successful meiosis and spermatozoa production, suggesting potential variation in sterility expression. Our findings suggest that genome-wide satDNA divergence, rather than chromosome number differences, likely contributes to meiotic failure and male sterility in these catfish hybrids.