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Ding X, Wang H, Huang S, Zhang H, Chen H, Chen P, Wang Y, Yang Z, Wang Y, Peng S, Dai H, Mei W. Molecular evolution and characterization of type III polyketide synthase gene family in Aquilaria sinensis. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2024; 210:108571. [PMID: 38604011 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2024.108571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
2-(2-Phenylethyl) chromone (PEC) and its derivatives are markers of agarwood formation and are also related to agarwood quality. However, the biosynthetic and regulatory mechanisms of PECs still remain mysterious. Several studies suggested that type III polyketide synthases (PKSs) contribute to PEC biosynthesis in Aquilaria sinensis. Furthermore, systematic studies on the evolution of PKSs in A. sinensis have rarely been reported. Herein, we comprehensively analyzed PKS genes from 12 plant genomes and characterized the AsPKSs in detail. A unique branch contained only AsPKS members was identified through evolutionary analysis, including AsPKS01 that was previously indicated to participate in PEC biosynthesis. AsPKS07 and AsPKS08, two tandem-duplicated genes of AsPKS01 and lacking orthologous genes in evolutionary models, were selected for their transient expression in the leaves of Nicotiana benthamiana. Subsequently, PECs were detected in the extracts of N. benthamiana leaves, suggesting that AsPKS07 and AsPKS08 promote PEC biosynthesis. The interaction between the promoters of AsPKS07, AsPKS08 and five basic leucine zippers (bZIPs) from the S subfamily indicated that their transcripts could be regulated by these transcription factors (TFs) and might further contribute to PECs biosynthesis in A. sinensis. Our findings provide valuable insights into the molecular evolution of the PKS gene family in A. sinensis and serve as a foundation for advancing PEC production through the bioengineering of gene clusters. Ultimately, this contribution is expected to shed light on the mechanism underlying agarwood formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xupo Ding
- Key Laboratory of Research and Development of Natural Product from Li Folk Medicine of Hainan Province, Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571101, China; International Joint Research Center of Agarwood, Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571101, China; Hainan Engineering Research Center of Agarwood, Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571101, China.
| | - Hao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Research and Development of Natural Product from Li Folk Medicine of Hainan Province, Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571101, China; International Joint Research Center of Agarwood, Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571101, China; Hainan Engineering Research Center of Agarwood, Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571101, China
| | - Shengzhuo Huang
- Key Laboratory of Research and Development of Natural Product from Li Folk Medicine of Hainan Province, Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571101, China; International Joint Research Center of Agarwood, Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571101, China; Hainan Engineering Research Center of Agarwood, Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571101, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Research and Development of Natural Product from Li Folk Medicine of Hainan Province, Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571101, China
| | - Huiqin Chen
- Key Laboratory of Research and Development of Natural Product from Li Folk Medicine of Hainan Province, Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571101, China; International Joint Research Center of Agarwood, Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571101, China; Hainan Engineering Research Center of Agarwood, Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571101, China
| | - Pengwei Chen
- Key Laboratory of Research and Development of Natural Product from Li Folk Medicine of Hainan Province, Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571101, China; International Joint Research Center of Agarwood, Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571101, China; Hainan Engineering Research Center of Agarwood, Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571101, China
| | - Yuguang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Research and Development of Natural Product from Li Folk Medicine of Hainan Province, Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571101, China; International Joint Research Center of Agarwood, Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571101, China; Hainan Engineering Research Center of Agarwood, Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571101, China
| | - Zhuo Yang
- Key Laboratory of Research and Development of Natural Product from Li Folk Medicine of Hainan Province, Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571101, China
| | - Yali Wang
- International Joint Research Center of Agarwood, Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571101, China; Hainan Engineering Research Center of Agarwood, Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571101, China
| | - Shiqing Peng
- Key Laboratory of Research and Development of Natural Product from Li Folk Medicine of Hainan Province, Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571101, China
| | - Haofu Dai
- Key Laboratory of Research and Development of Natural Product from Li Folk Medicine of Hainan Province, Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571101, China; International Joint Research Center of Agarwood, Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571101, China; Hainan Engineering Research Center of Agarwood, Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571101, China.
| | - Wenli Mei
- Key Laboratory of Research and Development of Natural Product from Li Folk Medicine of Hainan Province, Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571101, China; International Joint Research Center of Agarwood, Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571101, China; Hainan Engineering Research Center of Agarwood, Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571101, China.
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Pei Y, Leng L, Sun W, Liu B, Feng X, Li X, Chen S. Whole-genome sequencing in medicinal plants: current progress and prospect. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2024; 67:258-273. [PMID: 37837531 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-022-2375-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
Advancements in genomics have dramatically accelerated the research on medicinal plants, and the development of herbgenomics has promoted the "Project of 1K Medicinal Plant Genome" to decipher their genetic code. However, it is difficult to obtain their high-quality whole genomes because of the prevalence of polyploidy and/or high genomic heterozygosity. Whole genomes of 123 medicinal plants were published until September 2022. These published genome sequences were investigated in this review, covering their classification, research teams, ploidy, medicinal functions, and sequencing strategies. More than 1,000 institutes or universities around the world and 50 countries are conducting research on medicinal plant genomes. Diploid species account for a majority of sequenced medicinal plants. The whole genomes of plants in the Poaceae family are the most studied. Almost 40% of the published papers studied species with tonifying, replenishing, and heat-cleaning medicinal effects. Medicinal plants are still in the process of domestication as compared with crops, thereby resulting in unclear genetic backgrounds and the lack of pure lines, thus making their genomes more difficult to complete. In addition, there is still no clear routine framework for a medicinal plant to obtain a high-quality whole genome. Herein, a clear and complete strategy has been originally proposed for creating a high-quality whole genome of medicinal plants. Moreover, whole genome-based biological studies of medicinal plants, including breeding and biosynthesis, were reviewed. We also advocate that a research platform of model medicinal plants should be established to promote the genomics research of medicinal plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Pei
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Liang Leng
- Institute of Herbgenomics, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Wei Sun
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Baocai Liu
- Institute of Agricultural Bioresource, Fujian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Fuzhou, 350003, China
| | - Xue Feng
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Xiwen Li
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Shilin Chen
- Institute of Herbgenomics, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.
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3
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Shelake RM, Jadhav AM, Bhosale PB, Kim JY. Unlocking secrets of nature's chemists: Potential of CRISPR/Cas-based tools in plant metabolic engineering for customized nutraceutical and medicinal profiles. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2023; 203:108070. [PMID: 37816270 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2023.108070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023]
Abstract
Plant species have evolved diverse metabolic pathways to effectively respond to internal and external signals throughout their life cycle, allowing adaptation to their sessile and phototropic nature. These pathways selectively activate specific metabolic processes, producing plant secondary metabolites (PSMs) governed by genetic and environmental factors. Humans have utilized PSM-enriched plant sources for millennia in medicine and nutraceuticals. Recent technological advances have significantly contributed to discovering metabolic pathways and related genes involved in the biosynthesis of specific PSM in different food crops and medicinal plants. Consequently, there is a growing demand for plant materials rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds, marketed as "superfoods". To meet the industrial demand for superfoods and therapeutic PSMs, modern methods such as system biology, omics, synthetic biology, and genome editing (GE) play a crucial role in identifying the molecular players, limiting steps, and regulatory circuitry involved in PSM production. Among these methods, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-CRISPR associated protein (CRISPR/Cas) is the most widely used system for plant GE due to its simple design, flexibility, precision, and multiplexing capabilities. Utilizing the CRISPR-based toolbox for metabolic engineering (ME) offers an ideal solution for developing plants with tailored preventive (nutraceuticals) and curative (therapeutic) metabolic profiles in an ecofriendly way. This review discusses recent advances in understanding the multifactorial regulation of metabolic pathways, the application of CRISPR-based tools for plant ME, and the potential research areas for enhancing plant metabolic profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Mahadev Shelake
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Four Program), Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Research Center, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52828, Republic of Korea.
| | - Amol Maruti Jadhav
- Research Institute of Green Energy Convergence Technology (RIGET), Gyeongsang National University, 501 Jinju-daero, Jinju, 52828, Republic of Korea
| | - Pritam Bhagwan Bhosale
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Life Science, Gyeongsang National University, 501 Jinju-daero, Jinju, 52828, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Yean Kim
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Four Program), Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Research Center, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52828, Republic of Korea; Division of Life Science, Gyeongsang National University, 501 Jinju-daero, Jinju, 52828, Republic of Korea; Nulla Bio Inc, 501 Jinju-daero, Jinju, 52828, Republic of Korea.
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The Current Developments in Medicinal Plant Genomics Enabled the Diversification of Secondary Metabolites' Biosynthesis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415932. [PMID: 36555572 PMCID: PMC9781956 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Medicinal plants produce important substrates for their adaptation and defenses against environmental factors and, at the same time, are used for traditional medicine and industrial additives. Plants have relatively little in the way of secondary metabolites via biosynthesis. Recently, the whole-genome sequencing of medicinal plants and the identification of secondary metabolite production were revolutionized by the rapid development and cheap cost of sequencing technology. Advances in functional genomics, such as transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, pave the way for discoveries in secondary metabolites and related key genes. The multi-omics approaches can offer tremendous insight into the variety, distribution, and development of biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs). Although many reviews have reported on the plant and medicinal plant genome, chemistry, and pharmacology, there is no review giving a comprehensive report about the medicinal plant genome and multi-omics approaches to study the biosynthesis pathway of secondary metabolites. Here, we introduce the medicinal plant genome and the application of multi-omics tools for identifying genes related to the biosynthesis pathway of secondary metabolites. Moreover, we explore comparative genomics and polyploidy for gene family analysis in medicinal plants. This study promotes medicinal plant genomics, which contributes to the biosynthesis and screening of plant substrates and plant-based drugs and prompts the research efficiency of traditional medicine.
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Guo L, Yao H, Chen W, Wang X, Ye P, Xu Z, Zhang S, Wu H. Natural products of medicinal plants: biosynthesis and bioengineering in post-genomic era. HORTICULTURE RESEARCH 2022; 9:uhac223. [PMID: 36479585 PMCID: PMC9720450 DOI: 10.1093/hr/uhac223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Globally, medicinal plant natural products (PNPs) are a major source of substances used in traditional and modern medicine. As we human race face the tremendous public health challenge posed by emerging infectious diseases, antibiotic resistance and surging drug prices etc., harnessing the healing power of medicinal plants gifted from mother nature is more urgent than ever in helping us survive future challenge in a sustainable way. PNP research efforts in the pre-genomic era focus on discovering bioactive molecules with pharmaceutical activities, and identifying individual genes responsible for biosynthesis. Critically, systemic biological, multi- and inter-disciplinary approaches integrating and interrogating all accessible data from genomics, metabolomics, structural biology, and chemical informatics are necessary to accelerate the full characterization of biosynthetic and regulatory circuitry for producing PNPs in medicinal plants. In this review, we attempt to provide a brief update on the current research of PNPs in medicinal plants by focusing on how different state-of-the-art biotechnologies facilitate their discovery, the molecular basis of their biosynthesis, as well as synthetic biology. Finally, we humbly provide a foresight of the research trend for understanding the biology of medicinal plants in the coming decades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Guo
- Corresponding authors. E-mails: ;
| | | | | | - Xumei Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China
| | - Peng Ye
- State Key laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangdong Laboratory For Lingnan Modern Agriculture, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Zhichao Xu
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Sisheng Zhang
- State Key laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangdong Laboratory For Lingnan Modern Agriculture, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Hong Wu
- Corresponding authors. E-mails: ;
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6
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Law STS, Nong W, So WL, Baril T, Swale T, Chan CB, Tobe SS, Kai ZP, Bendena WG, Hayward A, Hui JHL. Chromosomal-level reference genome of the moth Heortia vitessoides (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), a major pest of agarwood-producing trees. Genomics 2022; 114:110440. [PMID: 35905835 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2022.110440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
The moth Heortia vitessoides Moore (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) is a major pest of ecologically, commercially and culturally important agarwood-producing trees in the genus Aquilaria. In particular, H. vitessoides is one of the most destructive defoliating pests of the incense tree Aquilaria sinesis, which produces a valuable fragrant wood used as incense and in traditional Chinese medicine [33]. Nevertheless, a genomic resource for H. vitessoides is lacking. Here, we present a chromosomal-level assembly for H. vitessoides, consisting of a 517 megabase (Mb) genome assembly with high physical contiguity (scaffold N50 of 18.2 Mb) and high completeness (97.9% complete BUSCO score). To aid gene annotation, 8 messenger RNA transcriptomes from different developmental stages were generated, and a total of 16,421 gene models were predicted. Expansion of gene families involved in xenobiotic metabolism and development were detected, including duplications of cytosolic sulfotransferase (SULT) genes shared among lepidopterans. In addition, small RNA sequencing of 5 developmental stages of H. vitessoides facilitated the identification of 85 lepidopteran conserved microRNAs, 94 lineage-specific microRNAs, as well as several microRNA clusters. A large proportion of the H. vitessoides genome consists of repeats, with a 29.12% total genomic contribution from transposable elements, of which long interspersed nuclear elements (LINEs) are the dominant component (17.41%). A sharp decrease in the genome-wide percentage of LINEs with lower levels of genetic distance to family consensus sequences suggests that LINE activity has peaked in H. vitessoides. In contrast, opposing patterns suggest a substantial recent increase in DNA and LTR element activity. Together with annotations of essential sesquiterpenoid hormonal pathways, neuropeptides, microRNAs and transposable elements, the high-quality genomic and transcriptomic resources we provide for the economically important moth H. vitessoides provide a platform for the development of genomic approaches to pest management, and contribute to addressing fundamental research questions in Lepidoptera.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean T S Law
- School of Life Sciences, Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Wenyan Nong
- School of Life Sciences, Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wai Lok So
- School of Life Sciences, Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | | | | | - Chi Bun Chan
- School of Biological Science, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Stephen S Tobe
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Zhen-Peng Kai
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Shanghai Institute of Technology, Shanghai, China
| | | | | | - Jerome H L Hui
- School of Life Sciences, Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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Kong BLH, Nong W, Wong KH, Law STS, So WL, Chan JJS, Zhang J, Lau TWD, Hui JHL, Shaw PC. Chromosomal level genome of Ilex asprella and insight into antiviral triterpenoid pathway. Genomics 2022; 114:110366. [PMID: 35413434 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2022.110366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Ilex asprella is a widely used herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine for treating viral infection and relieving inflammation. Due to the earlier fruiting period of I. asprella, it is the major food source for frugivores in summer. Despite its pharmacological and ecological importance, a reference genome for I. asprella is lacking. By using Illumina, stLFR and Omni-C sequencing data, we present the first chromosomal-level assembly for I. asprella. The genome assembly size is 804 Mbp, with Benchmarking Universal Single-Copy Orthologs (BUSCO) score 94.4% for eudicotyledon single copy genes. Transcriptomes of leaves, stems, flowers, premature fruits and roots were analyzed, providing 39,215 gene models. The complete set of genes involved in the triterpenoids production is disclosed for the first time. We have also found the oxidosqualene cyclases (OSCs), CYP716s and UDP-glycosyltransferases (UGTs), which are responsible for the modification of triterpenoid backbones, resulting in the high variety of triterpenoid saponins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bobby Lim-Ho Kong
- Li Dak Sum Yip Yio Chin R & D Centre for Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medicine, and School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China
| | - Wenyan Nong
- School of Life Sciences, Simon F.S. Li, Marine Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kwan-Ho Wong
- Shiu-Ying Hu Herbarium, School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China
| | - Sean Tsz-Sum Law
- School of Life Sciences, Simon F.S. Li, Marine Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wai-Lok So
- School of Life Sciences, Simon F.S. Li, Marine Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Johnson Jor-Shing Chan
- Li Dak Sum Yip Yio Chin R & D Centre for Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medicine, and School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China
| | - Jordan Zhang
- Dovetail Genomics, Scotts Valley, CA, United States
| | - Tai-Wai David Lau
- Shiu-Ying Hu Herbarium, School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China
| | - Jerome Ho-Lam Hui
- School of Life Sciences, Simon F.S. Li, Marine Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Pang-Chui Shaw
- Li Dak Sum Yip Yio Chin R & D Centre for Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medicine, and School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China.
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Wang S, Liang H, Wang H, Li L, Xu Y, Liu Y, Liu M, Wei J, Ma T, Le C, Yang J, He C, Liu J, Zhao J, Zhao Y, Lisby M, Sahu SK, Liu H. The chromosome-scale genomes of Dipterocarpus turbinatus and Hopea hainanensis (Dipterocarpaceae) provide insights into fragrant oleoresin biosynthesis and hardwood formation. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2022; 20:538-553. [PMID: 34687252 PMCID: PMC8882806 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.13735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Dipterocarpaceae are typical tropical plants (dipterocarp forests) that are famous for their high economic value because of their production of fragrant oleoresins, top-quality timber and usage in traditional Chinese medicine. Currently, the lack of Dipterocarpaceae genomes has been a limiting factor to decipher the fragrant oleoresin biosynthesis and gain evolutionary insights into high-quality wood formation in Dipterocarpaceae. We generated chromosome-level genome assemblies for two representative Dipterocarpaceae species viz. Dipterocarpus turbinatus Gaertn. f. and Hopea hainanensis Merr. et Chun. Our whole-genome duplication (WGD) analysis revealed that Dipterocarpaceae underwent a shared WGD event, which showed significant impacts on increased copy numbers of genes related to the biosynthesis of terpene, BAHD acyltransferases, fatty acid and benzenoid/phenylpropanoid, which probably confer to the formation of their characteristic fragrant oleoresin. Additionally, compared with common soft wood plants, the expansion of gene families was also found to be associated with wood formation, such as in CESA (cellulose synthase), CSLE (cellulose synthase-like protein E), laccase and peroxidase in Dipterocarpaceae genomes, which might also contribute to the formation of harder, stronger and high-density timbers. Finally, an integrative analysis on a combination of genomic, transcriptomic and metabolic data from different tissues provided further insights into the molecular basis of fragrant oleoresins biosynthesis and high-quality wood formation of Dipterocarpaceae. Our study contributes the first two representative genomes for Dipterocarpaceae, which are valuable genetic resources for further researches on the fragrant oleoresins and superior-quality timber, genome-assisted breeding and improvement, and conservation biology of this family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sibo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural GenomicsBGI‐ShenzhenShenzhenChina
| | - Hongping Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural GenomicsBGI‐ShenzhenShenzhenChina
- College of Life SciencesUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Hongli Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural GenomicsBGI‐ShenzhenShenzhenChina
- College of Life SciencesUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Linzhou Li
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural GenomicsBGI‐ShenzhenShenzhenChina
- Department of Biotechnology and BiomedicineTechnical University of DenmarkLyngbyDenmark
| | - Yan Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural GenomicsBGI‐ShenzhenShenzhenChina
- College of Life SciencesUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Yang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural GenomicsBGI‐ShenzhenShenzhenChina
| | - Min Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural GenomicsBGI‐ShenzhenShenzhenChina
| | - Jinpu Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural GenomicsBGI‐ShenzhenShenzhenChina
| | - Tao Ma
- Key Laboratory of Bio‐resource and Eco‐Environment of Ministry of EducationCollege of Life SciencesSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Cheng Le
- BGI‐Yunnan, BGI‐ShenzhenYunnanChina
| | - Jinlong Yang
- BGI‐Yunnan, BGI‐ShenzhenYunnanChina
- College of Forensic ScienceXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anChina
| | | | - Jie Liu
- Forestry Bureau of RuiliYunnan Dehong, RuiliChina
| | | | | | - Michael Lisby
- Department of BiologyUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Sunil Kumar Sahu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural GenomicsBGI‐ShenzhenShenzhenChina
| | - Huan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural GenomicsBGI‐ShenzhenShenzhenChina
- College of Life SciencesUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
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Mishra B, Ulaszewski B, Meger J, Aury JM, Bodénès C, Lesur-Kupin I, Pfenninger M, Da Silva C, Gupta DK, Guichoux E, Heer K, Lalanne C, Labadie K, Opgenoorth L, Ploch S, Le Provost G, Salse J, Scotti I, Wötzel S, Plomion C, Burczyk J, Thines M. A Chromosome-Level Genome Assembly of the European Beech ( Fagus sylvatica) Reveals Anomalies for Organelle DNA Integration, Repeat Content and Distribution of SNPs. Front Genet 2022; 12:691058. [PMID: 35211148 PMCID: PMC8862710 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.691058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The European Beech is the dominant climax tree in most regions of Central Europe and valued for its ecological versatility and hardwood timber. Even though a draft genome has been published recently, higher resolution is required for studying aspects of genome architecture and recombination. Here, we present a chromosome-level assembly of the more than 300 year-old reference individual, Bhaga, from the Kellerwald-Edersee National Park (Germany). Its nuclear genome of 541 Mb was resolved into 12 chromosomes varying in length between 28 and 73 Mb. Multiple nuclear insertions of parts of the chloroplast genome were observed, with one region on chromosome 11 spanning more than 2 Mb which fragments up to 54,784 bp long and covering the whole chloroplast genome were inserted randomly. Unlike in Arabidopsis thaliana, ribosomal cistrons are present in Fagus sylvatica only in four major regions, in line with FISH studies. On most assembled chromosomes, telomeric repeats were found at both ends, while centromeric repeats were found to be scattered throughout the genome apart from their main occurrence per chromosome. The genome-wide distribution of SNPs was evaluated using a second individual from Jamy Nature Reserve (Poland). SNPs, repeat elements and duplicated genes were unevenly distributed in the genomes, with one major anomaly on chromosome 4. The genome presented here adds to the available highly resolved plant genomes and we hope it will serve as a valuable basis for future research on genome architecture and for understanding the past and future of European Beech populations in a changing climate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bagdevi Mishra
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (BiK-F), Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Department for Biological Sciences, Institute of Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Bartosz Ulaszewski
- Department of Genetics, ul. Chodkiewicza 30, Kazimierz Wielki University, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Joanna Meger
- Department of Genetics, ul. Chodkiewicza 30, Kazimierz Wielki University, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Jean-Marc Aury
- Genoscope, Institut François Jacob, CEA, CNRS, Univ Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, Evry, France
| | | | - Isabelle Lesur-Kupin
- INRAE, Univ. Bordeaux, BIOGECO, Cestas, France.,HelixVenture, Mérignac, France.,Faculty of Biology, Plant Ecology and Geobotany, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Markus Pfenninger
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (BiK-F), Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Corinne Da Silva
- Genoscope, Institut François Jacob, CEA, CNRS, Univ Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, Evry, France
| | - Deepak K Gupta
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (BiK-F), Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Department for Biological Sciences, Institute of Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (TBG), Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | | | - Katrin Heer
- Faculty of Biology, Plant Ecology and Geobotany, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany.,Forest Genetics, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Karine Labadie
- Genoscope, Institut François Jacob, CEA, CNRS, Univ Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, Evry, France
| | - Lars Opgenoorth
- Faculty of Biology, Plant Ecology and Geobotany, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Ploch
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (BiK-F), Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Stefan Wötzel
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (BiK-F), Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Department for Biological Sciences, Institute of Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | | | - Jaroslaw Burczyk
- Department of Genetics, ul. Chodkiewicza 30, Kazimierz Wielki University, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Marco Thines
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (BiK-F), Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Department for Biological Sciences, Institute of Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (TBG), Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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10
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Sun Y, Guo J, Zeng X, Chen R, Feng Y, Chen S, Yang K. Chromosome-scale genome assembly of Castanopsis tibetana provides a powerful comparative framework to study the evolution and adaptation of Fagaceae trees. Mol Ecol Resour 2021; 22:1178-1189. [PMID: 34689424 DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.13539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Fagaceae species are increasingly used as models to elucidate the process and mechanism of adaptation and speciation by integrating ecology, evolution and genomics. The genus Castanopsis belongs to the family Fagaceae and is mainly distributed across subtropical and tropical Asia. In the present study, we reported the first chromosome-scale genome assembly of Castanopsis tibetana, a common species of evergreen broadleaved forests in subtropical China. The combination of Nanopore sequencing and Hi-C technologies enabled a high-quality genome assembly. The final assembled genome size of C. tibetana was 878.6 Mb (97.6% of the estimated genome size), consisting of 477 contigs with an N50 length of 3.3 Mb. The benchmarking universal single-copy orthologue (BUSCO) assessment indicated a completeness of 93.0%. Hi-C scaffolding generated 12 pseudochromosomes, representing 98.7% of the assembled genome. Subsequently, 40,937 protein-coding genes were predicted and 90.04% of them were functionally annotated. More than 476.9 Mb of repetitive sequences (54.3% of the genome) were identified, and the percentage of the genome covered by TE elements was 39.98%. Comparative genomics analysis revealed that C. tibetana was most closely related to Castanea mollissima and diverged at 18.48 Ma, and that C. tibetana has undergone considerable gene family expansion and contraction. Evidence of positive selection was detected in 53 genes, which showed different arrangement pattern compared to Quercus robur. The chromosome-scale genome assembly of C. tibetana will expand Fagaceae genome resources across the family and provide a powerful comparative framework to study the adaptation and evolution of Fagaceae trees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Sun
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Innovative Development and Utilization of Forest Plant Germplasm, College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianling Guo
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Innovative Development and Utilization of Forest Plant Germplasm, College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaorong Zeng
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Innovative Development and Utilization of Forest Plant Germplasm, College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Risheng Chen
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Innovative Development and Utilization of Forest Plant Germplasm, College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi Feng
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Innovative Development and Utilization of Forest Plant Germplasm, College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuang Chen
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Innovative Development and Utilization of Forest Plant Germplasm, College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kai Yang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Innovative Development and Utilization of Forest Plant Germplasm, College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
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11
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Meng F, Chu T, Tang Q, Chen W. A tetraploidization event shaped the Aquilaria sinensis genome and contributed to the ability of sesquiterpenes synthesis. BMC Genomics 2021; 22:647. [PMID: 34493201 PMCID: PMC8424979 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-07965-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Agarwood, generated from the Aquilaria sinensis, has high economic and medicinal value. Although its genome has been sequenced, the ploidy of A. sinensis paleopolyploid remains unclear. Moreover, the expression changes of genes associated with agarwood formation were not analyzed either. RESULTS In the present work, we reanalyzed the genome of A. sinensis and found that it experienced a recent tetraploidization event ~ 63-71 million years ago (Mya). The results also demonstrated that the A. sinensis genome had suffered extensive gene deletion or relocation after the tetraploidization event, and exhibited accelerated evolutionary rates. At the same time, an alignment of homologous genes related to different events of polyploidization and speciation were generated as well, which provides an important comparative genomics resource for Thymelaeaceae and related families. Interestingly, the expression changes of genes related to sesquiterpene synthesis in wounded stems of A. sinensis were also observed. Further analysis demonstrated that polyploidization promotes the functional differentiation of the key genes in the sesquiterpene synthesis pathway. CONCLUSIONS By reanalyzing its genome, we found that the tetraploidization event shaped the A. sinensis genome and contributed to the ability of sesquiterpenes synthesis. We hope that these results will facilitate our understanding of the evolution of A. sinensis and the function of genes involved in agarwood formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanbo Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 611137, Chengdu, China
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 611137, Chengdu, China
| | - Tianzhe Chu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 611137, Chengdu, China
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 611137, Chengdu, China
| | - Qiang Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 611137, Chengdu, China
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 611137, Chengdu, China
| | - Wei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 611137, Chengdu, China.
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 611137, Chengdu, China.
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 611137, Chengdu, China.
- School of Life Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, 063210, Tangshan, China.
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12
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Li RS, Zhu JH, Guo D, Li HL, Wang Y, Ding XP, Mei WL, Chen ZB, Dai HF, Peng SQ. Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of terpene synthase gene family in Aquilaria sinensis. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2021; 164:185-194. [PMID: 34004556 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2021.04.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Agarwood is the resinous portion of Aquilaria trees, and has been widely used as medicine and incense. Sesquiterpenes are the main chemical characteristic constituents of agarwood. Terpene synthase (TPS) is a critical enzyme responsible for biosynthesis of sesquiterpene compounds. However, limited information is available on genome-wide identification and characterization of the TPS family in Aquilaria trees. In this study, TPS gene family was identified and characterized in Aquilaria sinensis by bioinformatics methods. The expression of those genes was analyzed by RNA-seq and quantitative real-time PCR. Transcription factors regulating TPS gene expression were identified by yeast one-hybrid and dual-luciferase assay. In total, 26 AsTPS genes (AsTPS1-AsTPS26) were identified, which were classified into five subgroups. Many putative cis-elements putatively involved in stresses and phytohormones (especially jasmonic acid) were identified in the promoter regions of AsTPSs, suggesting that AsTPSs genes may be regulated by stresses and jasmonic acid. Expression analysis revealed seven TPS genes encoding sesquiterpene synthetases were induced by wounding and methyl jasmonic acid (MeJA), which may be related to sesquiterpene biosynthesis. By yeast one-hybrid screening, a ERF transcription factor AsERF1 was identified to interact with the AsTPS1 promoter. Subcellular localization analysis indicated AsERF1 was a nucleus-localized protein. Transient transfection of AsERF1 in leaves of Nicotiana benthamiana significantly enhanced the promoter activation of AsTPS1, suggesting AsERF1 may participate in sesquiterpene biosynthesis by regulating AsTPS1 expression. These data generated in this study provide a foundation for future studies on functional roles and regulation mechanisms of AsTPS in sesquiterpene biosynthesis and agarwood formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong-Shuang Li
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Resources of Tropical Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571101, China; College of Life Science and Technology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, 163000, China
| | - Jia-Hong Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Resources of Tropical Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571101, China
| | - Dong Guo
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Resources of Tropical Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571101, China
| | - Hui-Liang Li
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Resources of Tropical Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571101, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Resources of Tropical Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571101, China
| | - Xu-Po Ding
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Resources of Tropical Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571101, China
| | - Wen-Li Mei
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Resources of Tropical Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571101, China
| | - Zhi-Bao Chen
- College of Life Science and Technology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, 163000, China; College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, 524088, China; Shenzhen Research Institute, Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen, 518108, China.
| | - Hao-Fu Dai
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Resources of Tropical Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571101, China.
| | - Shi-Qing Peng
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Resources of Tropical Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571101, China.
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13
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Schweizer RM, Saarman N, Ramstad KM, Forester BR, Kelley JL, Hand BK, Malison RL, Ackiss AS, Watsa M, Nelson TC, Beja-Pereira A, Waples RS, Funk WC, Luikart G. Big Data in Conservation Genomics: Boosting Skills, Hedging Bets, and Staying Current in the Field. J Hered 2021; 112:313-327. [PMID: 33860294 DOI: 10.1093/jhered/esab019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
A current challenge in the fields of evolutionary, ecological, and conservation genomics is balancing production of large-scale datasets with additional training often required to handle such datasets. Thus, there is an increasing need for conservation geneticists to continually learn and train to stay up-to-date through avenues such as symposia, meetings, and workshops. The ConGen meeting is a near-annual workshop that strives to guide participants in understanding population genetics principles, study design, data processing, analysis, interpretation, and applications to real-world conservation issues. Each year of ConGen gathers a diverse set of instructors, students, and resulting lectures, hands-on sessions, and discussions. Here, we summarize key lessons learned from the 2019 meeting and more recent updates to the field with a focus on big data in conservation genomics. First, we highlight classical and contemporary issues in study design that are especially relevant to working with big datasets, including the intricacies of data filtering. We next emphasize the importance of building analytical skills and simulating data, and how these skills have applications within and outside of conservation genetics careers. We also highlight recent technological advances and novel applications to conservation of wild populations. Finally, we provide data and recommendations to support ongoing efforts by ConGen organizers and instructors-and beyond-to increase participation of underrepresented minorities in conservation and eco-evolutionary sciences. The future success of conservation genetics requires both continual training in handling big data and a diverse group of people and approaches to tackle key issues, including the global biodiversity-loss crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rena M Schweizer
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT
| | - Norah Saarman
- Department of Biology, Utah State University, Logan, UT
| | - Kristina M Ramstad
- Department of Biology and Geology, University of South Carolina Aiken, Aiken, SC
| | | | - Joanna L Kelley
- School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA
| | - Brian K Hand
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT.,Flathead Lake Biological Station, University of Montana, Polson, MT
| | - Rachel L Malison
- Flathead Lake Biological Station, University of Montana, Polson, MT
| | - Amanda S Ackiss
- Wisconsin Cooperative Fishery Research Unit, University of Wisconsin Stevens Point, Stevens Point, WI
| | | | | | - Albano Beja-Pereira
- Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos (CIBIO-UP), InBIO, Universidade do Porto, Vairão, Portugal.,DGAOT, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Sustainable Agrifood Production Research Centre (GreenUPorto), Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Robin S Waples
- Northwest Fisheries Science Center, NOAA Fisheries, Seattle, WA
| | - W Chris Funk
- Department of Biology, Graduate Degree Program in Ecology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
| | - Gordon Luikart
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT.,Flathead Lake Biological Station, University of Montana, Polson, MT
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14
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Li M, Yang Y, Xu R, Mu W, Li Y, Mao X, Zheng Z, Bi H, Hao G, Li X, Xu X, Xi Z, Shrestha N, Liu J. A chromosome-level genome assembly for the tertiary relict plant Tetracentron sinense oliv. (trochodendraceae). Mol Ecol Resour 2021; 21:1186-1199. [PMID: 33486895 DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.13334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Tetracentron sinense and Trochodendron aralioides are two Tertiary relict species of large trees in the family Trochodendraceae with narrow distributions on the mainland and islands of eastern Asia. They belong to the order Trochodendrales, which is one of the four early-diverged eudicot lineages. These two relict species provide a good system in which to examine genomic changes that occurred as they survived during repeated climatic oscillations in the Quaternary. We sequenced the genome of Te. sinense and compared it with that of Tr. aralioides. We found that Te. sinense has a smaller genome size (986.3 Mb) than that of Tr. aralioides (1610 Mb). Repetitive elements made the major contribution to the contrasting genome sizes in the two species, with most bursts of repeats occurring within the past four million years when the climate oscillated greatly. These species share two rounds of whole-genome duplications. The mainland species Te. sinense had a larger effective population size than the island species Tr. aralioides after the largest glaciation during the Quaternary climatic oscillation. However, soon after this recovery stage, the effective population sizes of both species continued to decrease, although the current effective population size of Te. sinense is still larger than that of Tr. aralioides. We recovered three distinctly diverged clades through resequencing the genomes of 50 individuals across the distributional range of Te. sinense in China. Our results provide an important genomic resource with which to examine early trait evolution in the core eudicots and assist efforts to conserve this relict tree species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minjie Li
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-Ecosystem, Institute of Innovation Ecology, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yongzhi Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-Ecosystem, Institute of Innovation Ecology, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Renping Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-Ecosystem, Institute of Innovation Ecology, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Wenjie Mu
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-Ecosystem, Institute of Innovation Ecology, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Ying Li
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-Ecosystem, Institute of Innovation Ecology, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xingxing Mao
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zeyu Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-Ecosystem, Institute of Innovation Ecology, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Hao Bi
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Guoqian Hao
- Biodiversity Institute of Mount Emei, Mount Emei Scenic Area Management Committee, Leshan, China
| | - Xiaojie Li
- Emeishan Biological Resources Experimental Station, Emei, China
| | - Xiaoting Xu
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhenxiang Xi
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Nawal Shrestha
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-Ecosystem, Institute of Innovation Ecology, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jianquan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-Ecosystem, Institute of Innovation Ecology, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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15
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Cheng QQ, Ouyang Y, Tang ZY, Lao CC, Zhang YY, Cheng CS, Zhou H. Review on the Development and Applications of Medicinal Plant Genomes. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:791219. [PMID: 35003182 PMCID: PMC8732986 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.791219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
With the development of sequencing technology, the research on medicinal plants is no longer limited to the aspects of chemistry, pharmacology, and pharmacodynamics, but reveals them from the genetic level. As the price of next-generation sequencing technology becomes affordable, and the long-read sequencing technology is established, the medicinal plant genomes with large sizes have been sequenced and assembled more easily. Although the review of plant genomes has been reported several times, there is no review giving a systematic and comprehensive introduction about the development and application of medicinal plant genomes that have been reported until now. Here, we provide a historical perspective on the current situation of genomes in medicinal plant biology, highlight the use of the rapidly developing sequencing technologies, and conduct a comprehensive summary on how the genomes apply to solve the practical problems in medicinal plants, like genomics-assisted herb breeding, evolution history revelation, herbal synthetic biology study, and geoherbal research, which are important for effective utilization, rational use and sustainable protection of medicinal plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi-Qing Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Yue Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Zi-Yu Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Chi-Chou Lao
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Yan-Yu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Chun-Song Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
- Lushan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Jiujiang, China
| | - Hua Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
- Joint Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine, The Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
- *Correspondence: Hua Zhou,
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16
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Qu Z, Nong W, Yu Y, Baril T, Yip HY, Hayward A, Hui JHL. Genome of the four-finger threadfin Eleutheronema tetradactylum (Perciforms: Polynemidae). BMC Genomics 2020; 21:726. [PMID: 33076831 PMCID: PMC7574432 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-020-07145-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Teleost fish play important roles in aquatic ecosystems and aquaculture. Threadfins (Perciformes: Polynemidae) show a range of interesting biology, and are of considerable importance for both wild fisheries and aquaculture. Additionally, the four-finger threadfin Eleutheronema tetradactylum is of conservation relevance since its populations are considered to be in rapid decline and it is classified as endangered. However, no genomic resources are currently available for the threadfin family Polynemidae. RESULTS We sequenced and assembled the first threadfin fish genome, the four-finger threadfin E. tetradactylum. We provide a genome assembly for E. tetradactylum with high contiguity (scaffold N50 = 56.3 kb) and high BUSCO completeness at 96.5%. The assembled genome size of E. tetradactylum is just 610.5 Mb, making it the second smallest perciform genome assembled to date. Just 9.07-10.91% of the genome sequence was found to consist of repetitive elements (standard RepeatMasker analysis vs custom analysis), making this the lowest repeat content identified to date for any perciform fish. A total of 37,683 protein-coding genes were annotated, and we include analyses of developmental transcription factors, including the Hox, ParaHox, and Sox families. MicroRNA genes were also annotated and compared with other chordate lineages, elucidating the gains and losses of chordate microRNAs. CONCLUSIONS The four-finger threadfin E. tetradactylum genome presented here represents the first available genome sequence for the ecologically, biologically, and commercially important clade of threadfin fish. Our findings provide a useful genomic resource for future research into the interesting biology and evolution of this valuable group of food fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Qu
- School of Life Sciences, Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Wenyan Nong
- School of Life Sciences, Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yifei Yu
- School of Life Sciences, Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tobias Baril
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall, Exeter, TR10 9FE, UK
| | - Ho Yin Yip
- School of Life Sciences, Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Alexander Hayward
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall, Exeter, TR10 9FE, UK.
| | - Jerome H L Hui
- School of Life Sciences, Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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Nong W, Law STS, Wong AYP, Baril T, Swale T, Chu LM, Hayward A, Lau DTW, Hui JHL. Chromosomal-level reference genome of the incense tree Aquilaria sinensis. Mol Ecol Resour 2020; 20:971-979. [PMID: 32157789 PMCID: PMC7496549 DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.13154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 01/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Trees in the genus Aquilaria (Thymelaeaceae) are known as lign aloes, and are native to the forests of southeast Asia. Lign aloes produce agarwood as an antimicrobial defence. Agarwood has a long history of cultural and medicinal use, and is of considerable commercial value. However, due to habitat destruction and over collection, lign aloes are threatened in the wild. We present a chromosomal‐level assembly for Aquilaria sinensis, a lign aloe endemic to China known as the incense tree, based on Illumina short‐read, 10X Genomics linked‐read, and Hi‐C sequencing data. Our 783.8 Mbp A. sinensis genome assembly is of high physical contiguity, with a scaffold N50 of 87.6 Mbp, and high completeness, with a 95.8% BUSCO score for eudicotyledon genes. We include 17 transcriptomes from various plant tissues, providing a total of 35,965 gene models. We reveal the first complete set of genes involved in sesquiterpenoid production, plant defence, and agarwood production for the genus Aquilaria, including genes involved in the biosynthesis of sesquiterpenoids via the mevalonic acid (MVA), 1‐deoxy‐D‐xylulose‐5‐phosphate (DXP), and methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) pathways. We perform a detailed repeat content analysis, revealing that transposable elements account for ~61% of the genome, with major contributions from gypsy‐like and copia‐like LTR retroelements. We also provide a comparative analysis of repeat content across sequenced species in the order Malvales. Our study reveals the first chromosomal‐level genome assembly for a tree in the genus Aquilaria and provides an unprecedented opportunity to address a variety of applied, genomic and evolutionary questions in the Thymelaeaceae more widely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyan Nong
- School of Life Sciences, Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Sean T S Law
- School of Life Sciences, Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Annette Y P Wong
- School of Life Sciences, Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tobias Baril
- Department of Conservation and Ecology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | | | - Lee Man Chu
- School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Alexander Hayward
- Department of Conservation and Ecology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - David T W Lau
- Shiu-Ying Hu Herbarium, School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jerome H L Hui
- School of Life Sciences, Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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