Project description:We used high throughput sequencing of coding RNA to identify systematic patterns of expression during vernalization in meristems of lily bulbs that were treated with cold temperature for increasing periods of time. cDNA libraries were constructed from bulbs stored at 25 degrees Celsius (control) and at 4 degrees Celsius for 2, 5, 7 and 9 weeks
Project description:Here We revealed the complex mechanism of viviparity in water lily. The transcriptomic signatures identified in this pathway are important basis for future breeding and research of viviparity in water lily and other plant species.
Project description:5-methylcytosine (5mC) is a widespread silencing mechanism that controls genomic parasites. However, in many eukaryotes 5mC has gained complex roles in gene regulation beyond parasite control. Animals are a paradigmatic case for 5mC evolution, as they show widespread variability across lineages, ranging from gene regulation and transposable element control to loss of this base modification. Here we show that the protist animal relative Amoebidium appalachense displays both transposon and gene body methylation, a pattern reminiscent of invertebrates and plants. Unexpectedly, large hypermethylated regions of the Amoebidium genome derive from viral insertions, including hundreds of endogenised giant viruses contributing 14% of the encoded genes. Using a combination of inhibitors and functional genomic assays, we demonstrate that 5mC silences these giant virus insertions. Moreover, alternative Amoebidium isolates show polymorphic giant virus insertions, highlighting a dynamic process of infection, endogenisation and purging. Therefore we propose that 5mC is critical for the controlled co-existence of newly acquired viral DNA into eukaryotic genomes, making Amoebidium a unique model to understand the hybrid origins of eukaryotic genomes.
Project description:Venoms have convergently evolved in all major animal lineages and are ideal candidates to unravel the underlying genomic processes of convergent trait evolution. However, few animal groups have been studied in detail, and large-scale comparative genomic analyses to address toxin gene evolution are rare. Hyper-diverse hymenopterans are the most speciose group of venomous animals, but the origin of their toxin genes have been largely overlooked. We combined proteo-transcriptomics with comparative genomics compiling an up-to-date list of core bee venom proteins to investigate the origin of 11 venom genes in 30 hymenopteran genomes including two new stingless bees.
Project description:Venoms have convergently evolved in all major animal lineages and are ideal candidates to unravel the underlying genomic processes of convergent trait evolution. However, few animal groups have been studied in detail, and large-scale comparative genomic analyses to address toxin gene evolution are rare. Hyper-diverse hymenopterans are the most speciose group of venomous animals, but the origin of their toxin genes have been largely overlooked. We combined proteo-transcriptomics with comparative genomics compiling an up-to-date list of core bee venom proteins to investigate the origin of 11 venom genes in 30 hymenopteran genomes including two new stingless bees.