Dataset Information

Telomere-to-telomere Citrullus super-pangenome provides direction for watermelon breeding.

ABSTRACT: To decipher the genetic diversity within the cucurbit genus Citrullus, we generated telomere-to-telomere (T2T) assemblies of 27 distinct genotypes, encompassing all seven Citrullus species. This T2T super-pangenome has expanded the previously published reference genome, T2T-G42, by adding 399.2 Mb and 11,225 genes. Comparative analysis has unveiled gene variants and structural variations (SVs), shedding light on watermelon evolution and domestication processes that enhanced attributes such as bitterness and sugar content while compromising disease resistance. Multidisease-resistant loci from Citrullus amarus and Citrullus mucosospermus were successfully introduced into cultivated Citrullus lanatus. The SVs identified in C. lanatus have not only been inherited from cordophanus but also from C. mucosospermus, suggesting additional ancestors beyond cordophanus in the lineage of cultivated watermelon. Our investigation substantially improves the comprehension of watermelon genome diversity, furnishing comprehensive reference genomes for all Citrullus species. This advancement aids in the exploration and genetic enhancement of watermelon using its wild relatives.

SUBMITTER: Zhang Y

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11319210 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Telomere-to-telomere Citrullus super-pangenome provides direction for watermelon breeding.

Zhang Yilin Y Zhao Mingxia M Tan Jingsheng J Huang Minghan M Chu Xiao X Li Yan Y Han Xue X Fang Taohong T Tian Yao Y Jarret Robert R Lu Dongdong D Chen Yijun Y Xue Lifang L Li Xiaoni X Qin Guochen G Li Bosheng B Sun Yudong Y Deng Xing Wang XW Deng Yun Y Zhang Xingping X He Hang H

Nature genetics 20240708 8

To decipher the genetic diversity within the cucurbit genus Citrullus, we generated telomere-to-telomere (T2T) assemblies of 27 distinct genotypes, encompassing all seven Citrullus species. This T2T super-pangenome has expanded the previously published reference genome, T2T-G42, by adding 399.2 Mb and 11,225 genes. Comparative analysis has unveiled gene variants and structural variations (SVs), shedding light on watermelon evolution and domestication processes that enhanced attributes such as bi ...[more]

PMID: 38977857

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Dataset Information

Telomere-to-telomere Citrullus super-pangenome provides direction for watermelon breeding.

Publications

Telomere-to-telomere Citrullus super-pangenome provides direction for watermelon breeding.

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