A mosaic monoploid reference sequence for the highly complex genome of sugarcane
Olivier Garsmeur1,2, Gaetan Droc1,2, Rudie Antonise3
1CIRAD (Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement), UMR AGAP, F-34398, Montpellier, France.
Nature Communications
|July 8, 2018
Summary
Researchers sequenced the sugarcane genome using sorghum as a guide, overcoming its complex genetic structure. This provides a foundational reference for understanding sugarcane genetics and improving crop traits.
Area of Science:
- Genomics
- Plant Science
- Agricultural Science
Background:
- Sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) is crucial for sugar and bioenergy.
- Its complex genome (polyploid, aneuploid, heterozygous, interspecific) hinders reference sequence creation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a high-quality monoploid genome sequence of sugarcane.
- To leverage sorghum's genome collinearity for sugarcane sequencing.
Main Methods:
- Selected a minimum tiling path of 4660 sugarcane BACs based on whole-genome profiling.
- Sequenced and assembled BACs into a 382-Mb single tiling path.
- Predicted protein-coding gene models and compared collinearity with sorghum orthologs.
Main Results:
- Generated a 382-Mb high-quality monoploid genome sequence of sugarcane.
- Predicted 25,316 protein-coding genes, with 17% lacking sorghum ortholog collinearity.
- Identified differences in transposable elements and chromosomal rearrangements between S. officinarum and S. spontaneum.
Conclusions:
- The study provides a foundational sugarcane genome sequence by overcoming its genetic complexity.
- Differences in genomic features suggest polyploidization occurred after the divergence of key ancestral species.
- This reference sequence will aid future research in sugarcane genetics and breeding.
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