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07:01
Processing the Loblolly Pine PtGen2 cDNA Microarray
Published on: March 20, 2009
Evolution of genome size and complexity in Pinus
Alison M Morse1, Daniel G Peterson, M Nurul Islam-Faridi
1School of Forest Resources and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America.
Plos One
|February 6, 2009
Summary
The newly discovered Gymny retrotransposon family significantly contributes to the large genome complexity in pines. However, the specific elements driving genome size variation in Pinaceae remain elusive.
Area of Science:
- Plant genomics
- Evolutionary biology
- Molecular genetics
Background:
- Gymnosperm genomes are among the largest and most complex in plants.
- The genetic elements driving this complexity are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of retrotransposons in the genome evolution of Pinus.
- To identify novel retrotransposon families and their contribution to pine genome size and complexity.
Main Methods:
- Massively parallel DNA sequencing of Cot fractionated genomic DNA from Pinus.
- Bioinformatic analysis to identify and characterize retrotransposon families.
- Comparative analysis with other plant genomes, including Arabidopsis thaliana and Picea.
Main Results:
- Discovery of Gymny, a novel retrotransposon family in Pinus, related to Athila elements.
- Gymny elements are widespread in the Pinus genome, occupying a significant physical space.
- Gymny amplification occurred after the divergence of Pinus and Picea, suggesting a role in recent genome evolution.
- Molecular divergence of Gymny and other retrotransposons, along with protein-coding DNA, explains pine genome complexity.
Conclusions:
- Retrotransposon divergence is a major driver of the enormous genome complexity in pines.
- The specific retroelements responsible for genome size variation within Pinaceae are yet to be identified.
- Further genomic resources for Pinus are crucial for understanding the differential roles of retrotransposons in gymnosperm versus angiosperm genome evolution.
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