The Plant Cell: Tarenaya hassleriana Genome Sheds Light on Crucifer Evolution

August 01, 2013
Plant genomics Plant genome
The Plant Cell: Tarenaya hassleriana Genome Sheds Light on Crucifer Evolution

Our collaborative study in The Plant Cell reveals how whole-genome duplication and subsequent gene evolution shaped the reproductive traits of the Cleomaceae and Brassicaceae lineages.

We are pleased to share a landmark study, “The Tarenaya hassleriana Genome Provides Insight into Reproductive Trait and Genome Evolution of Crucifers,” published in The Plant Cell. This project involved a major collaboration between XinLab members, Wageningen University, and other international partners.

Background

Tarenaya hassleriana (Spider flower) belongs to the Cleomaceae family, the sister group to the Brassicaceae (which includes Arabidopsis and Brassica crops). Sequencing its genome allows for a high-resolution comparative analysis to understand the origins of key traits that define the Brassicales order.

Key Breakthroughs

  • Discovery of the Th-alpha WGD: The study identified an independent whole-genome triplication event (Th-alpha) in the Tarenaya lineage. This occurred separately from the well-known At-alpha event in the Arabidopsis lineage, offering a unique opportunity to study parallel evolution following polyploidy.
  • Evolution of Reproductive Architecture: By comparing gene retention and loss across families, we pinpointed genetic modules responsible for the specialized floral traits of Tarenaya, such as its elongated stamens.
  • Glucosinolate Biosynthesis: The research explored the evolutionary history of the glucosinolate pathway, a vital chemical defense mechanism in crucifers, revealing how gene family expansions contributed to metabolic diversity.

Significance

This genome provides a foundational resource for crucifer biology. Understanding the genomic differences between Cleomaceae and Brassicaceae helps researchers identify genes that can be targeted to improve crop resilience and floral architecture in related agricultural species.

Team & Collaboration

This milestone was achieved through the joint efforts of BGI-Shenzhen and the Biosystematics Group at Wageningen University.

Read the full article here: https://doi.org/10.1105/tpc.113.113480