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Dynamic evolution of inverted repeats in Euglenophyta plastid genomes
Anna Karnkowska1, Matthew S Bennett2, Richard E Triemer2
1Department of Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, Biological and Chemical Research Centre, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, ul. Żwirki i Wigury 101, 02-089, Warsaw, Poland. ankarn@biol.uw.edu.pl.
Scientific Reports
|October 31, 2018
Summary
This study reveals dynamic Euglenophyta plastid genome evolution, particularly the repeated loss of inverted repeat regions containing rDNA operons in Phacaceae and Euglenaceae families.
Area of Science:
- Eukaryotic genomics
- Algal biology
- Evolutionary biology
Background:
- Photosynthetic euglenids (Euglenophyta) are unicellular eukaryotes with secondary plastids.
- Previous Euglenophyta plastid genome studies focused mainly on the Euglenaceae family.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a comparative analysis of plastid genomes from eight representatives of the Phacaceae family.
- To investigate the evolution of inverted repeat (IR) regions in Euglenophyta plastid genomes.
Main Methods:
- Comparative genomics of newly sequenced plastid genomes.
- Phylogenomic analysis to map the presence/absence of IR regions.
- Analysis of gene content, synteny, and intron diversity.
Main Results:
- Phacaceae plastid genomes exhibit conserved synteny and gene content, with variations in maturase genes (mat2, mat5).
- A correlation between maturase number and intron proliferation was observed.
- Two taxa, Discoplastis and Lepocinclis, possess rDNA-containing IR regions absent in Euglenaceae, indicating repeated IR loss events in Euglenophyta evolution.
Conclusions:
- The Euglenophyta plastid genome is highly dynamic, especially concerning IR regions.
- Repeated losses of IR regions have shaped the evolutionary history of Euglenophyta plastid genomes.
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