Genomic studies in Linum shed light on the evolution of the distyly supergene and the molecular basis of convergent floral evolution.

ABSTRACT: Distyly, an example of convergent evolution, is governed by a supergene, the S-locus, in several species. Recent studies highlight similar genomic architectures of independently evolved S-loci, but its mode of origin and whether similar regulatory pathways underlie the convergent evolution of distyly remains unclear. We examined the evolution of supergenes and mechanisms underlying distyly in Linum species that diverged c. 33 million years ago (Ma). Using haplotype-resolved genomes and population genomics, we identified and characterized the S-loci of Linum perenne (distylous) and Linum grandiflorum (style length dimorphic), and compared them to that of Linum tenue (distylous). We then tested for a conserved hormonal mechanism regulating style length polymorphism in Linum. The S-locus supe

SUBMITTER: Zervakis PI 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12371154 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature