Abstract Detail

Functional Genetics/Genomics

Younkin, Gordon [1], Alani, Martin [1], Mirzaei, Mahdieh [2], Jander, Georg [2].

Comparative transcriptomics of 48 Erysimum species guides discovery of cardiac glycoside biosynthetic genes.

Erysimum is a diverse crucifer genus consisting of several hundred species distributed across the temperate northern hemisphere. Like most members of the Brassicaceae, Erysimum produces glucosinolates. However, its recent and rapid radiation has been partially attributed to its 'escape from herbivory' via the evolution of another class of toxic compounds called cardiac glycosides. Cardiac glycosides have been used to treat heart conditions for hundreds of years and remain on the World Health Organization's list of essential medicines. However, the biosynthetic pathway remains unknown. E. cheiranthoides' close relationship with Arabidopsis, relatively small diploid genome, short generation time, and simple floral dip transformation make it a good model for studying the evolution, synthesis, and function of these important defensive compounds. I will explore my use of genus-wide and tissue-specific metabolomic and transcriptomic datasets to identify candidate genes for cardiac glycoside biosynthesis and my preliminary efforts to test candidate gene function using Cas9-mediated gene editing.

Related Links:
Erysimum genome paper
Erysimum genome website

1 - Cornell University, 533 Tower Rd., Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
2 - Boyce Thompson Institute, 533 Tower Rd., Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA

Keywords:
Erysimum
cardenolides
cardiac glycosides
Brassicaceae
phytochemistry
specialized metabolism
gene coexpression networks
CRISPR/Cas9
glucosinolates
defensive metabolites
medicinal compounds
comparative transcriptomics.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Number: FGG1002
Abstract ID:203
Candidate for Awards:Phytochemical Best Oral Presentation Award