The Torreya grandis genome illuminates the origin and evolution of gymnosperm-specific sciadonic acid biosynthesis.

ABSTRACT: Torreya plants produce dry fruits with assorted functions. Here, we report the 19-Gb chromosome-level genome assembly of T. grandis. The genome is shaped by ancient whole-genome duplications and recurrent LTR retrotransposon bursts. Comparative genomic analyses reveal key genes involved in reproductive organ development, cell wall biosynthesis and seed storage. Two genes encoding a C₁₈ Δ⁹-elongase and a C₂₀ Δ⁵-desaturase are identified to be responsible for sciadonic acid biosynthesis and both are present in diverse plant lineages except angiosperms. We demonstrate that the histidine-rich boxes of the Δ⁵-desaturase are crucial for its catalytic activity. Methylome analysis reveals that methylation valleys of the T. grandis seed genome

SUBMITTER: Lou H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10006428 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature