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Recent polyploidization events in three Saccharum founding species
Jisen Zhang1,2,3, Qing Zhang1,2,4, Leiting Li5
1FAFU and UIUC Joint Center for Genomics and Biotechnology, Key Laboratory of Sugarcane Biology and Genetic Breeding Ministry of Agriculture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China.
Plant Biotechnology Journal
|June 8, 2018
Summary
Sugarcane genome research was advanced by sequencing transcriptomes of Saccharum species. This study clarifies speciation and whole-genome duplication timing, proving Saccharum officinarum is a distinct species.
Area of Science:
- Genomics
- Plant Biology
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Polyploid Saccharum genomes present challenges for research and crop improvement.
- Understanding sugarcane genome structure is crucial for advancing the species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the genome structure and evolutionary history of Saccharum species.
- To determine the timing of speciation and whole-genome duplication events in Saccharum.
- To resolve the taxonomic status of Saccharum officinarum.
Main Methods:
- Transcriptome sequencing of 59 F1 individuals from Saccharum officinarum and Saccharum robustum.
- Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and linkage group analysis.
- Comparative genomic analysis of gene pairs to estimate divergence times.
Main Results:
- Identified numerous SNPs and linkage groups, with most markers aligning to single sorghum chromosomes.
- Detected 71 interchromosomal rearrangements, with 24 shared between S. officinarum and S. robustum, indicating ancient origins.
- Estimated divergence times: S. officinarum and S. robustum diverged ~385,000 years ago; their ancestor diverged from S. spontaneum ~769,000 years ago.
- Whole-genome duplication events occurred after speciation, and chromosome number reduction in S. spontaneum predates these duplications.
Conclusions:
- Saccharum officinarum is a distinct species, not a domesticated variant of S. robustum.
- The study refutes a long-standing hypothesis regarding sugarcane domestication and species relationships.
- Provides a clarified timeline for key evolutionary events in the Saccharum genus.
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