Abstract Detail

Comparative Genomics/Transcriptomics

Marchant, Daniel Blaine [1], Soltis, Douglas [2], Soltis, Pamela [3], Leebens-Mack, Jim [4], Chen, Zhonghua [5].

Ancient yet Dynamic: The Evolution of a Fern Genome.

To date, the large size and complexity of most fern genomes have hampered efforts to elucidate fundamental aspects of fern biology and land plant evolution through genome-enabled research. Here we present a chromosomal genome assembly for the model fern species Ceratopteris richardii; the first genome assembly for any homosporous (single spore type with bisexual gametophytes) vascular plant. The assembly reveals a history of remarkably dynamic genome evolution including three whole-genome duplications (WGDs) over 300 million years of evolution in the fern lineage leading to Ceratopteris, and rapid changes in genome content and structure following the most recent WGD approximately 60 million years ago. These changes include massive gene loss, rampant tandem duplications, and multiple horizontal gene transfers from bacteria, contributing to the diversification of gene families in Ceratopteris. The insertion of transposable elements into introns has led the large size of the Ceratopteris genome and to exceptionally long genes relative to other plants. Gene family analyses indicate that genes directing seed development were co-opted from those controlling development of fern sporangia, providing insights into seed plant evolution. Our findings and annotated genome assembly extend the utility of Ceratopteris as a model for investigating and teaching basic and applied plant biology.

1 - Stanford University, Biology, Gilbert Hall, RM 206, Stanford, CA, 94305, United States
2 - University Of Florida, Florida Museum Of Natural History, Dickinson Hall, Gainesville, FL, 32611, United States
3 - University Of Florida, Florida Museum Of Natural History, Gainesville, FL, 32611.0, United States
4 - University Of Georgia, Plant Biology, 2101 Miller Plant Sciences, Athens, GA, 30602, United States
5 - Western Sydney University, Agriculture and Plant Science, Australia

Keywords:
fern
polyploidy
Horizontal Gene Transfer
genomics
Plant Evolution.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Number: CGT2001
Abstract ID:596
Candidate for Awards:Margaret Menzel Award