Open AccessThe genome of Cleistogenes songorica provides a blueprint for functional dissection of dimorphic flower differentiation and drought adaptability
Author(s) -
Zhang Jiyu,
Wu Fan,
Yan Qi,
John Ulrik P,
Cao Mingshu,
Xu Pan,
Zhang Zhengshe,
Ma Tiantian,
Zong Xifang,
Li Jie,
Liu Ruijuan,
Zhang Yufei,
Zhao Yufeng,
Kanzana Gisele,
Lv Yanyan,
Nan Zhibiao,
Spangenberg German,
Wang Yanrong
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
plant biotechnology journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.525
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1467-7652
pISSN - 1467-7644
DOI - 10.1111/pbi.13483
Subject(s) - biology , genome , gene , transcriptome , genetics , sequence assembly , drought tolerance , evolutionary biology , botany , gene expression
Summary Cleistogenes songorica (2 n = 4 x = 40) is a desert grass with a unique dimorphic flowering mechanism and an ability to survive extreme drought. Little is known about the genetics underlying drought tolerance and its reproductive adaptability. Here, we sequenced and assembled a high‐quality chromosome‐level C. songorica genome (contig N50 = 21.28 Mb). Complete assemblies of all telomeres, and of ten chromosomes were derived . C . songorica underwent a recent tetraploidization (~19 million years ago) and four major chromosomal rearrangements. Expanded genes were significantly enriched in fatty acid elongation, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, starch and sucrose metabolism, and circadian rhythm pathways. By comparative transcriptomic analysis we found that conserved drought tolerance related genes were expanded. Transcription of CsMYB genes was associated with differential development of chasmogamous and cleistogamous flowers, as well as drought tolerance. Furthermore, we found that regulation modules encompassing miRNA, transcription factors and target genes are involved in dimorphic flower development, validated by overexpression of CsAP2_9 and its targeted miR172 in rice. Our findings enable further understanding of the mechanisms of drought tolerance and flowering in C. songorica, and provide new insights into the adaptability of native grass species in evolution, along with potential resources for trait improvement in agronomically important species.