Genome assembly of the maize B chromosome provides insight into its epigenetic characteristics and effects on the host genome.

ABSTRACT:

Background

B chromosomes contribute to the genetic variation in numerous eukaryotes. Yet their genetic and epigenetic characteristics, as well as their effects on the host genome remain poorly understood.

Results

Here, we present a comprehensive genome assembly of diploid maize B73 with two copies of B chromosomes using long-read sequencing. We annotate a total of 1124 high-confidence protein-coding genes and 119,579,190 bp repeat elements representing 88.55% of the B chromosome assembly. Using CENH3 ChIP-seq data, we accurately determined the position of the B chromosome centromere, which features a unique monomer-composed satellite array distinct from that found on the chromosome arms. Our research provides detailed genetic and epigenetic maps of the B chromosome, shedding

SUBMITTER: Liu Q 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11887103 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature