Chromosome level high-density integrated genetic maps improve the Pyrus bretschneideri 'DangshanSuli' v1.0 genome

Near-gapless and haplotype-resolved apple genomes provide insights into the genetic basis of rootstock-induced dwarfing

Dwarfing rootstocks have transformed the production of cultivated apples; however, the genetic basis of rootstock-induced dwarfing remains largely unclear. We have assembled chromosome-level, near-gapless and haplotype-resolved genomes for the popular dwarfing rootstock 'M9', the semi-vigorous rootstock 'MM106' and 'Fuji', one of the most commonly grown apple cultivars. The apple orthologue of auxin response factor 3 (MdARF3) is in the Dw1 region of 'M9', the major locus for rootstock-induced dwarfing. Comparing 'M9' and 'MM106' genomes revealed a 9,723-bp allele-specific long terminal repeat retrotransposon/gypsy insertion, DwTE, located upstream of MdARF3. DwTE is cosegregated with the dwarfing trait in two segregating populations, suggesting its prospective utility in future dwarfing rootstock breeding. In addition, our pipeline discovered mobile mRNAs that may contribute to the development of dwarfed scion architecture. Our research provides valuable genomic resources and applicable methodology, which have the potential to accelerate breeding dwarfing rootstocks for apple and other perennial woody fruit trees.

Stone cell formation in the pedicel of pears and apples

MAIN CONCLUSION

For the first time, stone cells in pear and apple pedicel were studied. The lignification of the pedicel outer part was correlated with flesh, and the secondary cell wall biosynthesis genes were activated. Fruit pedicels act as bridges between the fruit and the shoot. They have secondary thickened cell walls that presumably function in mechanical support, water and nutrient transport. Stone cells are cells with a secondary cell wall thickening. In pears, yet not in apples, the stone cells affect the flesh texture. There have been few reports on stone cell formation in pear and apple pedicels; therefore, we studied these cells for the first time. The apple pedicel had few stone cells in the cortex. The formation of stone cells in pear continued until seven weeks after flowering (WAF), and the density was significantly higher than in apple. The stone cell formation degree (SFD) of pear was 3.6-7.1 times higher than that of apple. Total lignin and lignin non-condensed structure (G and S units) content in the pear pedicle outer part was 1.5-2.7 times higher than that of the apple at harvest. The SFD of the pedicel outer part had a positive correlation with the G and S units content of the flesh. The total lignin and G and S units content between flesh and the pedicel outer part were positively correlated. Correlation analysis revealed a positive relationship between fruit and pedicel formation of the stone cells. The WGCNA showed that NST3 was linked to NAC028, MYB46, CESA, POD, LAC, and VSR6. These genes were highly expressed in the outer part of the pear pedicel, while they were suppressed in that issue of the apple at 4 WAF.

The pear genomics database (PGDB): a comprehensive multi-omics research platform for Pyrus spp

BACKGROUND

Pears are among the most important temperate fruit trees in the world, with significant research efforts increasing over the last years. However, available omics data for pear cannot be easily and quickly retrieved to enable further studies using these biological data.

DESCRIPTION

Here, we present a publicly accessible multi-omics pear resource platform, the Pear Genomics Database (PGDB). We collected and collated data on genomic sequences, genome structure, functional annotation, transcription factor predictions, comparative genomics, and transcriptomics. We provide user-friendly functional modules to facilitate querying, browsing and usage of these data. The platform also includes basic and useful tools, including JBrowse, BLAST, phylogenetic tree building, and additional resources providing the possibility for bulk data download and quick usage guide services.

CONCLUSIONS

The Pear Genomics Database (PGDB, http://pyrusgdb.sdau.edu.cn ) is an online data analysis and query resource that integrates comprehensive multi-omics data for pear. This database is equipped with user-friendly interactive functional modules and data visualization tools, and constitutes a convenient platform for integrated research on pear.

DNA methylation signatures of duplicate gene evolution in angiosperms

Gene duplication is a source of evolutionary novelty. DNA methylation may play a role in the evolution of duplicate genes (paralogs) through its association with gene expression. While this relationship has been examined to varying extents in a few individual species, the generalizability of these results at either a broad phylogenetic scale with species of differing duplication histories or across a population remains unknown. We applied a comparative epigenomics approach to 43 angiosperm species across the phylogeny and a population of 928 Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) accessions, examining the association of DNA methylation with paralog evolution. Genic DNA methylation was differentially associated with duplication type, the age of duplication, sequence evolution, and gene expression. Whole genome duplicates were typically enriched for CG-only gene-body methylated or unmethylated genes, while single-gene duplications were typically enriched for non-CG methylated or unmethylated genes. Non-CG methylation, in particular, was characteristic of more recent single-gene duplicates. Core angiosperm gene families differentiated into those which preferentially retain paralogs and 'duplication-resistant' families, which convergently reverted to singletons following duplication. Duplication-resistant families that still have paralogous copies were, uncharacteristically for core angiosperm genes, enriched for non-CG methylation. Non-CG methylated paralogs had higher rates of sequence evolution, higher frequency of presence-absence variation, and more limited expression. This suggests that silencing by non-CG methylation may be important to maintaining dosage following duplication and be a precursor to fractionation. Our results indicate that genic methylation marks differing evolutionary trajectories and fates between paralogous genes and have a role in maintaining dosage following duplication.

QTL Analysis and CAPS Marker Development Linked with Russet in Pear (Pyrus spp.)

The fruit skin types of pear (Pyrus spp.) are divided into russet, smooth, and intermediate. One of the important traits in pear breeding programs is russet on pear fruit skin because it affects the commercial value. In the present study, a high-density genetic linkage map of ‘Whangkeumbae’ (smooth) × ‘Minibae’ (russet) was constructed. In addition, quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis was performed to identify russet related QTL and develop a cleaved amplified polymorphism sequence (CAPS) marker. Together with SNPs derived from Axiom Pear 70K Genotyping Array and genotyping-by-sequencing derived SNPs and SSRs generated in previous study, an integrated genetic linkage map of ‘Whangkeumbae’ × ‘Minibae’ was constructed. A total of 1263 markers were anchored in 17 linkage groups (LGs) with a total genetic distance of 1894.02 cM and an average marker density of 1.48 cM. The chromosome coverage of ‘Whangkeumbae’ × ‘Minibae’ map was improved because the SNPs derived from Axiom Pear 70K Genotyping Array were anchored. QTL analysis was performed using previous russet phenotype data evaluated with russet coverage and Hunter a. As a result of QTL analysis, russet coverage- and Hunter a-related QTLs were identified in LG8 of the ‘Whangkeumbae’ × ‘Minibae’ map, and SNPs located in the QTL region were heterozygous in the ‘Minibae’. Although the russet coverage- and Hunter a-related QTLs were commonly detected in LG8, the logarithm of odds values of SNPs in the QTL region were higher in QTL related to russet coverage than to Hunter a. The CAPS marker (CBp08ca01) was developed using an array SNP located in the russet coverage related QTL, and the genotype of CBp08ca01 showed a 1:1 ratio in ‘Whangkeumbae’ × ‘Minibae’ (χ2 = 0.65, p > 0.05). ‘Whangkeumbae’ and ‘Minibae’ were thought to have rr and Rr genotypes, respectively, and the genetic factors controlling the russet formation might be located in chromosome 8. The CBp08ca01 was able to select F1 individuals with less than 30% russet coverage. Thus, it will be a useful tool for marker-assisted selection in pears.

Building a foundation for gene family analysis in Rosaceae genomes with a novel workflow: A case study in Pyrus architecture genes

The rapid development of sequencing technologies has led to a deeper understanding of plant genomes. However, direct experimental evidence connecting genes to important agronomic traits is still lacking in most non-model plants. For instance, the genetic mechanisms underlying plant architecture are poorly understood in pome fruit trees, creating a major hurdle in developing new cultivars with desirable architecture, such as dwarfing rootstocks in European pear (Pyrus communis). An efficient way to identify genetic factors for important traits in non-model organisms can be to transfer knowledge across genomes. However, major obstacles exist, including complex evolutionary histories and variable quality and content of publicly available plant genomes. As researchers aim to link genes to traits of interest, these challenges can impede the transfer of experimental evidence across plant species, namely in the curation of high-quality, high-confidence gene models in an evolutionary context. Here we present a workflow using a collection of bioinformatic tools for the curation of deeply conserved gene families of interest across plant genomes. To study gene families involved in tree architecture in European pear and other rosaceous species, we used our workflow, plus a draft genome assembly and high-quality annotation of a second P. communis cultivar, 'd'Anjou.' Our comparative gene family approach revealed significant issues with the most recent 'Bartlett' genome - primarily thousands of missing genes due to methodological bias. After correcting assembly errors on a global scale in the 'Bartlett' genome, we used our workflow for targeted improvement of our genes of interest in both P. communis genomes, thus laying the groundwork for future functional studies in pear tree architecture. Further, our global gene family classification of 15 genomes across 6 genera provides a valuable and previously unavailable resource for the Rosaceae research community. With it, orthologs and other gene family members can be easily identified across any of the classified genomes. Importantly, our workflow can be easily adopted for any other plant genomes and gene families of interest.

Genome-wide clonal variability in European pear "Rocha" using high-throughput sequencing

Pears (Pyrus) are one of the most economically important fruits worldwide. The Pyrus genus is characterized by a high degree of genetic variability between species and interspecific hybrids, and several studies have been performed to assess this variability for both cultivated and wild accessions. These studies have mostly been limited by the resolving power of traditional molecular markers, although in the recent past the availability of reference genome sequences or SNP arrays for pear have enhanced the capability of high-resolution genomics studies. These tools can also be applied to better understand the intra-varietal (or clonal) variability in pear. Here we report the first high resolution genomics analysis of a pear clonal population using whole genome sequencing (WGS). Results showed unique signatures for the accumulation of mutations and transposable element insertions in each clone, which are likely related to their history of propagation and cultivation. The nucleotide diversity remained low in the clonal collection with the exception of few genomic windows, suggesting that balancing selection may be occurring. These windows included mainly genes related to plant fertility. Regions with higher mutational load were partially associated with transcription factors, probably reflecting the distinctive phenotypes in the collection. The annotation of variants also revealed the theoretical disruption of relevant genes in pear. Taken together, the results from this study show that pear clones accumulate mutations differently, and that those mutations can play a role on pear phenotypes, meaning that the study of pear clonal populations can be relevant in genetic studies, mainly when comparing with traditional association studies.

RNA-Seq Analysis Identifies Transcription Factors Involved in Anthocyanin Biosynthesis of 'Red Zaosu' Pear Peel and Functional Study of PpPIF8

Red-skinned pears are favored by people for their attractive appearance and abundance of anthocyanins. However, the molecular basis of anthocyanin biosynthesis in red pears remains elusive. Here, a comprehensive transcriptome analysis was conducted to explore the potential regulatory mechanism of anthocyanin biosynthesis in 'Red Zaosu' pear (Pyrus pyrifolia × Pyrus communis). Gene co-expression analysis and transcription factor mining identified 263 transcription factors, which accounted for 6.59% of the total number of transcription factors in the pear genome in two gene modules that are highly correlated with anthocyanin biosynthesis. Clustering, gene network modeling with STRING-DB, and local motif enrichment analysis (CentriMo) analysis suggested that PpPIF8 may play a role in anthocyanin biosynthesis. Furthermore, eight PIFs were identified in the pear genome, of which only PpPIF8 was rapidly induced by light. Functional studies showed that PpPIF8 localizes in the nucleus and is preferentially expressed in the tissue of higher levels of anthocyanin. The overexpression of PpPIF8 in pear peel and pear calli promotes anthocyanin biosynthesis and upregulates the expression of anthocyanin biosynthesis genes. Yeast-one hybrid and transgenic analyses indicated that PpPIF8 binds to the PpCHS promoter to induce PpCHS expression. The positive effect of PpPIF8 on anthocyanin biosynthesis is different from previously identified negative regulators of PyPIF5 and MdPIF7 in pear and apple. Taken together, our data not only provide a comprehensive view of transcription events during the coloration of pear peel, but also resolved the regulatory role of PpPIF8 in the anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway.

Pear genetics: Recent advances, new prospects, and a roadmap for the future

Pear, belonging to the genus Pyrus, is one of the most economically important temperate fruit crops. Pyrus is an important genus of the Rosaceae family, subfamily Maloideae, and has at least 22 different species with over 5000 accessions maintained or identified worldwide. With the release of draft whole-genome sequences for Pyrus, opportunities for pursuing studies on the evolution, domestication, and molecular breeding of pear, as well as for conducting comparative genomics analyses within the Rosaceae family, have been greatly expanded. In this review, we highlight key advances in pear genetics, genomics, and breeding driven by the availability of whole-genome sequences, including whole-genome resequencing efforts, pear domestication, and evolution. We cover updates on new resources for undertaking gene identification and molecular breeding, as well as for pursuing functional validation of genes associated with desirable economic traits. We also explore future directions for "pear-omics".

A Novel Pear Scab (Venturia nashicola) Resistance Gene, Rvn3, from Interspecific Hybrid Pear (Pyrus pyrifolia × P. communis)

Asian pear scab is a fungal disease caused by Venturia nashicola. The identification of genes conferring scab resistance could facilitate the breeding of disease-resistant cultivars. Therefore, the present study aimed to identify a scab-resistance gene using an interspecific hybrid population ((Pyrus pyrifolia × P. communis) × P. pyrifolia). Artificial inoculation of V. nashicola was carried out for two years. The segregation ratio (1:1) of resistant to susceptible individuals indicated that resistance to V. nashicola was inherited from P. communis and controlled by a single dominant gene. Based on two years phenotypic data with the Kruskal–Wallis test and interval mapping, 12 common markers were significantly associated with scab resistance. A novel scab resistance gene, Rvn3, was mapped in linkage group 6 of the interspecific hybrid pear, and co-linearity between Rvn3 and one of the apple scab resistance genes, Rvi14, was confirmed. Notably, an insertion in pseudo-chromosome 6 of the interspecific hybrid cultivar showed homology with apple scab resistance genes. Hence, the newly discovered Rvn3 was considered an ortholog of the apple scab resistance gene. Since the mapping population used in the present study is a pseudo-BC₁ population, pyramiding of multiple resistance genes to pseudo-BC₁ could facilitate the breeding of pear cultivars with durable resistance.

Identification of quantitative trait loci associated with upper temperature tolerance in turbot, Scophthalmus maximus

Temperature tolerance is an important trait from both an economic and evolutionary perspective in fish. Because of difficulties with measurements, genome-wide selection using quantitative trait loci (QTLs) affecting Upper temperature tolerance may be an alternative for genetic improvement. Turbot Scophthalmus maximus (L.) is a cold-water marine fish with high economic value in Europe and Asia. The genetic bases of upper temperature tolerance (UTTs) traits have been rarely studied. In this study, we constructed a genetic linkage map of turbot using simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. A total of 190 SSR and 8,123 SNP were assigned to 22 linkage groups (LGs) of a consensus map, which spanned 3,648.29 cM of the turbot genome, with an average interval of 0.44 cM. Moreover, we re-anchored genome sequences, allowing 93.8% physical sequences to be clustered into 22 turbot pseudo-chromosomes. A high synteny was observed between two assemblies from the literature. QTL mapping and validation analysis identified thirteen QLTs which are major effect QTLs, of these, 206 linked SNP loci, and two linked SSR loci were considered to have significant QTL effects. Association analysis for UTTs with 129 QTL markers was performed for different families, results showed that eight SNP loci were significantly correlated with UTT, which markers could be helpful in selecting thermal tolerant breeds of turbot. 1,363 gene sequences were genomically annotated, and 26 QTL markers were annotated. We believe these genes could be valuable candidates affecting high temperatures, providing valuable genomic resources for the study of genetic mechanisms regulating thermal stress. Similarly, they may be used in marker-assisted selection (MAS) programs to improve turbot performance.

A consensus and saturated genetic map provides insight into genome anchoring, synteny of Solanaceae and leaf- and fruit-related QTLs in wolfberry (Lycium Linn.)

BACKGROUND

Lycium Linn. (Solanaceae) is a genus of economically important plants producing fruits and leaves with high nutritional value and medicinal benefits. However, genetic analysis of this plant and molecular breeding for quality improvement are limited by the lack of sufficient molecular markers.

RESULTS

In this study, two parental strains, 'Ningqi No. 1' (Lycium barbarum L.) and 'Yunnan Gouqi' (Lycium yunnanense Kuang et A.M. Lu), and 200 F₁ hybrid individuals were resequenced for genetic analysis. In total, 8,507 well-selected SNPs were developed, and a high-density genetic map (NY map) was constructed with a total genetic distance of 2,122.24 cM. A consensus genetic map was established by integrating the NY map and a previously published genetic map (NC map) containing 15,240 SNPs, with a total genetic distance of 3,058.19 cM and an average map distance of 0.21 cM. The 12 pseudochromosomes of the Lycium reference genome were anchored using this consensus genetic map, with an anchoring rate of 64.3%. Moreover, weak collinearities between the consensus map and the pepper, potato, and tomato genomes were observed. Twenty-five stable QTLs were identified for leaf- and fruit-related phenotypes, including fruit weight, fruit longitude, leaf length, the fruit index, and the leaf index; these stable QTLs were mapped to four different linkage groups, with LOD scores ranging from 2.51 to 19.37 and amounts of phenotypic variance explained from 6.2% to 51.9%. Finally, 82 out of 188 predicted genes underlying stable QTLs for fruit-related traits were differentially expressed according to RNA-seq analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

A chromosome-level assembly can provide a foundation for further functional genomics research for wolfberry. The genomic regions of these stably expressed QTLs could be used as targets for further fine mapping and development of molecular markers for marker-assisted selection (MAS). The present study provided valuable information on saturated SNP markers and reliable QTLs for map-based cloning of functional genes related to yield and morphological traits in Lycium spp.

Chromosome-scale genome assembly of Japanese pear (Pyrus pyrifolia) variety 'Nijisseiki'

We analyzed the genome sequence of a Japanese pear (Pyrus pyrifolia) to facilitate its genetics and genomics as well as breeding programs, in which a variety 'Nijisseiki' with superior flesh texture has been used as a parent for most Japanese pear cultivars. De novo assembly of long sequence reads covered 136× of the Japanese pear genome and generated 503.9 Mb contigs consisting of 114 sequences with an N50 value of 7.6 Mb. Contigs were assigned to Japanese pear genetic maps to establish 17 chromosome-scale sequences. In total, 44,876 high-confidence protein-encoding genes were predicted, 84.3% of which were supported by predicted genes and transcriptome data from Japanese pear relatives. As expected, evidence of genome-wide duplication was observed, consistent with related species. This is the first chromosome-scale genome sequence analysis reported for Japanese pear, and this resource will support breeding programs and provide new insights into the physiology and evolutionary history of Japanese pear.

An Atlas of Genomic Resources for Studying Rosaceae Fruits and Ornamentals

Rosaceae, a large plant family of more than 3,000 species, consists of many economically important fruit and ornamental crops, including peach, apple, strawberry, raspberry, cherry, and rose. These horticultural crops are not only important economic drivers in many regions of the world, but also major sources of human nutrition. Additionally, due to the diversity of fruit types in Rosaceae, this plant family offers excellent opportunities for investigations into fleshy fruit diversity, evolution, and development. With the development of high-throughput sequencing technologies and computational tools, an increasing number of high-quality genomes and transcriptomes of Rosaceae species have become available and will greatly facilitate Rosaceae research and breeding. This review summarizes major genomic resources and genome research progress in Rosaceae, highlights important databases, and suggests areas for further improvement. The availability of these big data resources will greatly accelerate research progress and enhance the agricultural productivity of Rosaceae.

Homozygosity Mapping Reveals Population History and Trait Architecture in Self-Incompatible Pear (Pyrus spp.)

Runs of homozygosity (ROH) have been widely used to study population history and trait architecture in humans and livestock species, but their application in self-incompatible plants has not been reported. The distributions of ROH in 199 accessions representing Asian pears (45), European pears (109), and interspecific hybrids (45) were investigated using genotyping-by-sequencing in this study. Fruit phenotypes including fruit weight, firmness, Brix, titratable acidity, and flavor volatiles were measured for genotype-phenotype analyses. The average number of ROH and the average total genomic length of ROH were 6 and 11 Mb, respectively, in Asian accessions, and 13 and 30 Mb, respectively, in European accessions. Significant associations between genomic inbreeding coefficients (F_ROH) and phenotypes were observed for 23 out of 32 traits analyzed. An overlap between ROH islands and significant markers from genome-wide association analyses was observed. Previously published quantitative trait loci for fruit traits and disease resistances also overlapped with some of the ROH islands. A prominent ROH island at the bottom of linkage group 17 overlapped with a recombination-supressed genomic region harboring the self-incompatibility locus. The observed ROH patterns suggested that systematic breeding of European pears would have started earlier than of Asian pears. Our research suggest that F_ROH would serve as a novel tool for managing inbreeding in gene-banks of self-incompatible plant species. ROH mapping provides a complementary strategy to unravel the genetic architecture of complex traits, and to evaluate differential selection in outbred plants. This seminal work would provide foundation for the ROH research in self-incompatible plants.

Developmental Mechanisms of Fleshy Fruit Diversity in Rosaceae

Rosaceae (the rose family) is an economically important family that includes species prized for high-value fruits and ornamentals. The family also exhibits diverse fruit types, including drupe (peach), pome (apple), drupetum (raspberry), and achenetum (strawberry). Phylogenetic analysis and ancestral fruit-type reconstruction suggest independent evolutionary paths of multiple fleshy fruit types from dry fruits. A recent whole genome duplication in the Maleae/Pyreae tribe (with apple, pear, hawthorn, and close relatives; referred to as Maleae here) may have contributed to the evolution of pome fruit. MADS-box genes, known to regulate floral organ identity, are emerging as important regulators of fruit development. The differential competence of floral organs to respond to fertilization signals may explain the different abilities of floral organs to form fleshy fruit. Future comparative genomics and functional studies in closely related Rosaceae species with distinct fruit types will test hypotheses and provide insights into mechanisms of fleshy fruit diversity. These efforts will be facilitated by the wealth of genome data and resources in Rosaceae.

TRANSNAP: a web database providing comprehensive information on Japanese pear transcriptome

Japanese pear (Pyrus pyrifolia) is a major fruit tree in the family Rosaceae and is bred for fruit production. To promote the development of breeding strategies and molecular research for Japanese pear, we sequenced the transcripts of Japanese pear variety 'Hosui'. To exhaustively collect information of total gene expression, RNA samples from various organs and stages of Japanese pear were sequenced by three technologies, single-molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing, 454 pyrosequencing, and Sanger sequencing. Using all those reads, we determined comprehensive reference sequences of Japanese pear. Then, their protein sequences were predicted, and biological functional annotations were assigned. Finally, we developed a web database, TRANSNAP (http://plantomics.mind.meiji.ac.jp/nashi), which is the first web resource of Japanese pear omics information. This database provides highly reliable information via a user-friendly web interface: the reference sequences, gene functional annotations, and gene expression profiles from microarray experiments. In addition, based on sequence comparisons among Japanese, Chinese and European pears, similar protein sequences among the pears and species-specific proteins in Japanese pear can be quickly and efficiently identified. TRANSNAP will aid molecular research and breeding in Japanese pear, and its information is available for comparative analysis among other pear species and families.