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From light into shadow: comparative plastomes in Petrocosmea and implications for low light adaptation
Shenglong Kan1, Xiaoju Su1, Liu Yang1
1Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai, 264209, China.
BMC Plant Biology
|October 11, 2024
Summary
The plastid genomes of Petrocosmea species show conservation but reveal specific genes under positive selection, offering insights into light adaptation. Hypervariable regions were identified as potential genetic markers for this ornamental plant genus.
Area of Science:
- Plant genomics
- Evolutionary biology
- Photosynthesis research
Background:
- Plastids, essential photosynthetic organelles, originated from endosymbiosis.
- Their role in plant development and adaptation is critical, yet plastid genome adaptation to light remains underexplored.
- Petrocosmea species, with diverse light habitat preferences, provide a model for studying plastid genome evolution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assemble and analyze plastid genomes of ten Petrocosmea species from varied light environments.
- To investigate the evolutionary patterns and selective pressures on plastid genes in relation to light adaptation.
- To identify potential genetic markers for Petrocosmea as an emerging ornamental horticulture.
Main Methods:
- Comparative genomic analysis of ten newly assembled Petrocosmea plastid genomes.
- Phylogenetic reconstruction using plastid genes.
- Selection analysis (dN/dS ratios) to identify genes under positive or purifying selection.
- Identification of hypervariable intergenic regions and genes.
Main Results:
- Petrocosmea plastid genomes are highly conserved in structure and gene content.
- Phylogenetic analysis revealed five distinct clades.
- Most plastid genes are under purifying selection, with rps8 and rps16 showing positive selection.
- NADH dehydrogenase, ATPase ribosome, and RNA polymerase exhibited different evolutionary rates across clades.
- Candidate genetic markers, including ycf1 and several intergenic regions, were identified.
Conclusions:
- Ten new Petrocosmea plastid genomes provide valuable genetic resources.
- Specific genes (rps8, rps16) and evolutionary patterns of key complexes are linked to light environment adaptation.
- Identified hypervariable regions serve as promising markers for Petrocosmea's ornamental horticulture potential.
- This study elucidates an evolutionary scenario for plastid genome adaptation to light in plants.
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