| Literature DB >> 34253727 |
Tao Wan1,2,3, Zhiming Liu3, Ilia J Leitch4, Haiping Xin1,2, Gillian Maggs-Kölling5, Yanbing Gong6, Zhen Li7,8, Eugene Marais5, Yiying Liao3, Can Dai9, Fan Liu2,10, Qijia Wu11, Chi Song12, Yadong Zhou1,2, Weichang Huang13, Kai Jiang13, Qi Wang13, Yong Yang14, Zhixiang Zhong1,2, Ming Yang3, Xue Yan1,10, Guangwan Hu1,2, Chen Hou15, Yingjuan Su16, Shixiu Feng3, Ji Yang17, Jijun Yan18, Jinfang Chu18, Fan Chen18, Jinhua Ran19, Xiaoquan Wang20, Yves Van de Peer21,22,23,24, Andrew R Leitch25, Qingfeng Wang26,27.
Abstract
The gymnosperm Welwitschia mirabilis belongs to the ancient, enigmatic gnetophyte lineage. It is a unique desert plant with extreme longevity and two ever-elongating leaves. We present a chromosome-level assembly of its genome (6.8 Gb/1 C) together with methylome and transcriptome data to explore its astonishing biology. We also present a refined, high-quality assembly of Gnetum montanum to enhance our understanding of gnetophyte genome evolution. The Welwitschia genome has been shaped by a lineage-specific ancient, whole genome duplication (~86 million years ago) and more recently (1-2 million years) by bursts of retrotransposon activity. High levels of cytosine methylation (particularly at CHH motifs) are associated with retrotransposons, whilst long-term deamination has resulted in an exceptionally GC-poor genome. Changes in copy number and/or expression of gene families and transcription factors (e.g. R2R3MYB, SAUR) controlling cell growth, differentiation and metabolism underpin the plant's longevity and tolerance to temperature, nutrient and water stress.Entities:
Year: 2021 PMID： 34253727 DOI： 10.1038/s41467-021-24528-4
Source DB: PubMed Journal: Nat Commun ISSN： 2041-1723 Impact factor: 14.919