Somatic Programmed DNA Elimination is widespread in free-living Rhabditidae nematodes

All cells of a multicellular organism usually share an identical genome, faithfully transmitted through successive divisions. Yet, a number of animal species deviate from this dogma, as parts of their DNA are systematically eliminated in all their somatic nuclei, in a process called Programmed DNA Elimination (PDE). PDE leads to the unexpected reorganisation of the genome at every generation in all somatic cells but its molecular mechanism, evolutionary origins, and functional significance remain unknown. This lack of understanding partially stems from limitations in genetically tractable model species. PDE can target an entire chromosome, or involve chromosome fragmentation followed by selective fragment retention and elimination, raising further questions on genome stability, genome integrity and mechanisms of DNA repair. PDE by chromosome fragmentation has been described in parasitic nematodes in the family Ascarididae, copepods in the genus Cyclops and unicellular ciliates. More recently, PDE has been discovered in three non-parasitic, lab-tractable nematode species from the Rhabditidae family, opening new perspectives. In this study, we used cytological approaches to screen 25 new Rhabditidae species for PDE. We found evidence of PDE in 17 species. Our work reveals that PDE is present in 12 out of 17 tested genera, demonstrating its widespread presence in Rhabditidae nematodes, with the notable exception of C. elegans. Genetic tools have already been established for some species. This work provides a collection of lab-tractable species that can be used to test many aspects of somatic Programmed DNA Elimination by chromosome fragmentation in animals.