Open AccessWhole‐Genome Sequence of Synthesized Allopolyploids in Cucumis Reveals Insights into the Genome Evolution of Allopolyploidization
Author(s) -
Yu Xiaqing,
Wang Panqiao,
Li Ji,
Zhao Qinzheng,
Ji Changmian,
Zhu Zaobing,
Zhai Yufei,
Qin Xiaodong,
Zhou Junguo,
Yu Haiyan,
Cheng Xinchao,
Isshiki Shiro,
Jahn Molly,
Doyle Jeff J.,
Ottosen CarlOtto,
Bai Yuling,
Cai Qinsheng,
Cheng Chunyan,
Lou Qunfeng,
Huang Sanwen,
Chen Jinfeng
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
advanced science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.388
H-Index - 100
ISSN - 2198-3844
DOI - 10.1002/advs.202004222
Subject(s) - polyploid , biology , genome , hystrix , plant evolution , cucumis , genetics , ploidy , gene , sequence assembly , genome evolution , evolutionary biology , botany , transcriptome , gene expression
The importance of allopolyploidy in plant evolution has been widely recognized. The genetic changes triggered by allopolyploidy, however, are not yet fully understood due to inconsistent phenomena reported across diverse species. The construction of synthetic polyploids offers a controlled approach to systematically reveal genomic changes that occur during the process of polyploidy. This study reports the first fully sequenced synthetic allopolyploid constructed from a cross between Cucumis sativus and C. hystrix , with high‐quality assembly. The two subgenomes are confidently partitioned and the C. sativus ‐originated subgenome predominates over the C. hystrix ‐originated subgenome, retaining more sequences and showing higher homeologous gene expression. Most of the genomic changes emerge immediately after interspecific hybridization. Analysis of a series of genome sequences from several generations (S 0 , S 4 –S 13 ) of C . × hytivus confirms that genomic changes occurred in the very first generations, subsequently slowing down as the process of diploidization is initiated. The duplicated genome of the allopolyploid with double genes from both parents broadens the genetic base of C . × hytivus , resulting in enhanced phenotypic plasticity. This study provides novel insights into plant polyploid genome evolution and demonstrates a promising strategy for the development of a wide array of novel plant species and varieties through artificial polyploidization.