Retrotransposons in the flanking regions of normal plant genes: a role for copia-like elements in the evolution of gene structure and expression

Distribution and Location of BEVs in Different Genotypes of Bananas Reveal the Coevolution of BSVs and Bananas

Members of the family Caulimoviridae contain abundant endogenous pararetroviral sequences (EPRVs) integrated into the host genome. Banana streak virus (BSV), a member of the genus Badnavirus in this family, has two distinct badnaviral integrated sequences, endogenous BSV (eBSV) and banana endogenous badnavirus sequences (BEVs). BEVs are distributed widely across the genomes of different genotypes of bananas. To clarify the distribution and location of BEVs in different genotypes of bananas and their coevolutionary relationship with bananas and BSVs, BEVs and BSVs were identified in 102 collected banana samples, and a total of 327 BEVs were obtained and categorized into 26 BEVs species with different detection rates. However, the majority of BEVs were found in Clade II, and a few were clustered in Clade I. Additionally, BEVs and BSVs shared five common conserved motifs. However, BEVs had two unique amino acids, methionine and lysine, which differed from BSVs. BEVs were distributed unequally on most of chromosomes and formed hotspots. Interestingly, a colinear relationship of BEVs was found between AA and BB, as well as AA and SS genotypes of bananas. Notably, the chromosome integration time of different BEVs varied. Based on our findings, we propose that the coevolution of bananas and BSVs is driven by BSV Driving Force (BDF), a complex interaction between BSVs, eBSVs, and BEVs. This study provides the first clarification of the relationship between BEVs and the coevolution of BSVs and bananas in China.

Old but still good: genetic diversity of ancient pecan genotypes from southern Brazil

Pecan [Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch] is a crop fruit native to the USA and Mexico currently cultivated in several countries, including Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, Peru, China, South Africa, and Australia. Supported by the increasing consumption and market prices, the interest in the cultivation of this fruit crop is strongly growing around the world. In this study, AFLP and S-SAP markers were employed to characterize the genetic diversity of ancient accessions of pecan from southern Brazil. The evaluated plants were selected and preserved by the farmers and are remnants of the first introduction of seedlings from the U.S.A into southern Brazil aiming at developing research towards establishing commercial orchards. High levels of genetic diversity were estimated, suggesting that these plants have an important genetic background for the establishment of a germplasm collection with a wide genetic basis, for the development of breeding programs for this fruit crop. Cluster analysis of the genetic datasets revealed some correlation between the nuts' morphometric traits and genetic markers. Such correlation should be further exploited. These ancient genotypes must be evaluated for other agronomic traits of interest and included in core collections of pecans.

Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of Wall-Associated Kinase (WAK) Gene Family in Cannabis sativa L

Wall-associated kinases (WAKs) are receptors that bind pectin or small pectic fragments in the cell wall and play roles in cell elongation and pathogen response. In the Cannabis sativa (Cs) genome, 53 CsWAK/CsWAKL (WAK-like) protein family members were identified and characterized; their amino acid lengths and molecular weights varied from 582 to 983, and from 65.6 to 108.8 kDa, respectively. They were classified into four main groups by a phylogenetic tree. Out of the 53 identified CsWAK/CsWAKL genes, 23 CsWAK/CsWAKL genes were unevenly distributed among six chromosomes. Two pairs of genes on chromosomes 4 and 7 have undergone duplication. The number of introns and exons among CsWAK/CsWAKL genes ranged from 1 to 6 and from 2 to 7, respectively. The promoter regions of 23 CsWAKs/CsWAKLs possessed diverse cis-regulatory elements that are involved in light, development, environmental stress, and hormone responsiveness. The expression profiles indicated that our candidate genes (CsWAK1, CsWAK4, CsWAK7, CsWAKL1, and CsWAKL7) are expressed in leaf tissue. These genes exhibit different expression patterns than their homologs in other plant species. These initial findings are useful resources for further research work on the potential roles of CsWAK/CsWAKL in cellular signalling during development, environmental stress conditions, and hormone treatments.

Distinct composition and amplification dynamics of transposable elements in sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.)

Sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) is a basal eudicot plant with a unique lifestyle, physiological features, and evolutionary characteristics. Here we report the unique profile of transposable elements (TEs) in the genome, using a manually curated repeat library. TEs account for 59% of the genome, and hAT (Ac/Ds) elements alone represent 8%, more than in any other known plant genome. About 18% of the lotus genome is comprised of Copia LTR retrotransposons, and over 25% of them are associated with non-canonical termini (non-TGCA). Such high abundance of non-canonical LTR retrotransposons has not been reported for any other organism. TEs are very abundant in genic regions, with retrotransposons enriched in introns and DNA transposons primarily in flanking regions of genes. The recent insertion of TEs in introns has led to significant intron size expansion, with a total of 200 Mb in the 28 455 genes. This is accompanied by declining TE activity in intergenic regions, suggesting distinct control efficacy of TE amplification in different genomic compartments. Despite the prevalence of TEs in genic regions, some genes are associated with fewer TEs, such as those involved in fruit ripening and stress responses. Other genes are enriched with TEs, and genes in epigenetic pathways are the most associated with TEs in introns, indicating a dynamic interaction between TEs and the host surveillance machinery. The dramatic differential abundance of TEs with genes involved in different biological processes as well as the variation of target preference of different TEs suggests the composition and activity of TEs influence the path of evolution.

The ecology of palm genomes: repeat-associated genome size expansion is constrained by aridity

Genome size varies 2400-fold across plants, influencing their evolution through changes in cell size and cell division rates which impact plants' environmental stress tolerance. Repetitive element expansion explains much genome size diversity, and the processes structuring repeat 'communities' are analogous to those structuring ecological communities. However, which environmental stressors influence repeat community dynamics has not yet been examined from an ecological perspective. We measured genome size and leveraged climatic data for 91% of genera within the ecologically diverse palm family (Arecaceae). We then generated genomic repeat profiles for 141 palm species, and analysed repeats using phylogenetically informed linear models to explore relationships between repeat dynamics and environmental factors. We show that palm genome size and repeat 'community' composition are best explained by aridity. Specifically, Ty3-gypsy and TIR elements were more abundant in palm species from wetter environments, which generally had larger genomes, suggesting amplification. By contrast, Ty1-copia and LINE elements were more abundant in drier environments. Our results suggest that water stress inhibits repeat expansion through selection on upper genome size limits. However, elements that may associate with stress-response genes (e.g. Ty1-copia) have amplified in arid-adapted palm species. Overall, we provide novel evidence of climate influencing the assembly of repeat 'communities'.

Duplication of NRAMP3 gene in poplars generated two homologous transporters with distinct functions

Transition metals are essential for a wealth of metabolic reactions, but their concentrations need to be tightly controlled across cells and cell compartments, as metal excess or imbalance has deleterious effects. Metal homeostasis is achieved by a combination of metal transport across membranes and metal binding to a variety of molecules. Gene duplication is a key process in evolution, as emergence of advantageous mutations on one of the copies can confer a new function. Here, we report that the poplar genome contains two paralogues encoding NRAMP3 metal transporters localized in tandem. All Populus species analyzed had two copies of NRAMP3, whereas only one could be identified in Salix species indicating that duplication occurred when the two genera separated. Both copies are under purifying selection and encode functional transporters, as shown by expression in the yeast heterologous expression system. However, genetic complementation revealed that only one of the paralogues has retained the original function in release of metals stored in the vacuole previously characterized in A. thaliana. Confocal imaging showed that the other copy has acquired a distinct localization to the Trans Golgi Network (TGN). Expression in poplar suggested that the copy of NRAMP3 localized on the TGN has a novel function in the control of cell-to-cell transport of manganese. This work provides a clear case of neo-functionalization through change in the subcellular localization of a metal transporter as well as evidence for the involvement of the secretory pathway in cell-to-cell transport of manganese.

Characterization of transposable elements within the Bemisia tabaci species complex

Background

Whiteflies are agricultural pests that cause negative impacts globally to crop yields resulting at times in severe economic losses and food insecurity. The Bemisia tabaci whitefly species complex is the most damaging in terms of its broad crop host range and its ability to serve as vector for over 400 plant viruses. Genomes of whiteflies belonging to this species complex have provided valuable genomic data; however, transposable elements (TEs) within these genomes remain unexplored. This study provides the first accurate characterization of TE content within the B. tabaci species complex.

Results

This study identified that an average of 40.61% of the genomes of three whitefly species (MEAM1, MEDQ, and SSA-ECA) consists of TEs. The majority of the TEs identified were DNA transposons (22.85% average) while SINEs (0.14% average) were the least represented. This study also compared the TE content of the three whitefly genomes with three other hemipteran genomes and found significantly more DNA transposons and less LINEs in the whitefly genomes. A total of 63 TE superfamilies were identified to be present across the three whitefly species (39 DNA transposons, six LTR, 16 LINE, and two SINE). The sequences of the identified TEs were clustered which generated 5766 TE clusters. A total of 2707 clusters were identified as uniquely found within the whitefly genomes while none of the generated clusters were from both whitefly and non-whitefly TE sequences.

This study is the first to characterize TEs found within different B. tabaci species and has created a standardized annotation workflow that could be used to analyze future whitefly genomes.

Conclusion

This study is the first to characterize the landscape of TEs within the B. tabaci whitefly species complex. The characterization of these elements within the three whitefly genomes shows that TEs occupy significant portions of B. tabaci genomes, with DNA transposons representing the vast majority. This study also identified TE superfamilies and clusters of TE sequences of potential interest, providing essential information, and a framework for future TE studies within this species complex.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13100-022-00270-6.

The population genetics of adaptation through copy‐number variation in a fungal plant pathogen

Microbial pathogens can adapt rapidly to changing environments such as the application of pesticides or host resistance. Copy number variations (CNVs) are a major source of adaptive genetic variation for recent adaptation. Here, we analyse how a major fungal pathogen of barley, Rhynchosporium commune, has adapted to the host environment and fungicide applications. We screen the genomes of 125 isolates sampled across a worldwide set of populations and identify a total of 7,879 gene duplications and 116 gene deletions. Most gene duplications result from segmental chromosomal duplications. Although CNVs are generally under negative selection, we find that genes affected by CNVs are enriched in functions related to host exploitation (i.e., effectors and cell-wall-degrading enzymes). We perform genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and identify a large segmental duplication of CYP51A that has contributed to the emergence of azole resistance and a duplication encompassing an effector gene affecting virulence. We show that the adaptive CNVs were probably created by recently active transposable element families. Moreover, we find that specific transposable element families are important drivers of recent gene CNV. Finally, we use a genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism data set to replicate the GWAS and contrast it with the CNV-focused analysis. Together, our findings show how extensive segmental duplications create the raw material for recent adaptation in global populations of a fungal pathogen.

The Dynamism of Transposon Methylation for Plant Development and Stress Adaptation

Plant development processes are regulated by epigenetic alterations that shape nuclear structure, gene expression, and phenotypic plasticity; these alterations can provide the plant with protection from environmental stresses. During plant growth and development, these processes play a significant role in regulating gene expression to remodel chromatin structure. These epigenetic alterations are mainly regulated by transposable elements (TEs) whose abundance in plant genomes results in their interaction with genomes. Thus, TEs are the main source of epigenetic changes and form a substantial part of the plant genome. Furthermore, TEs can be activated under stress conditions, and activated elements cause mutagenic effects and substantial genetic variability. This introduces novel gene functions and structural variation in the insertion sites and primarily contributes to epigenetic modifications. Altogether, these modifications indirectly or directly provide the ability to withstand environmental stresses. In recent years, many studies have shown that TE methylation plays a major role in the evolution of the plant genome through epigenetic process that regulate gene imprinting, thereby upholding genome stability. The induced genetic rearrangements and insertions of mobile genetic elements in regions of active euchromatin contribute to genome alteration, leading to genomic stress. These TE-mediated epigenetic modifications lead to phenotypic diversity, genetic variation, and environmental stress tolerance. Thus, TE methylation is essential for plant evolution and stress adaptation, and TEs hold a relevant military position in the plant genome. High-throughput techniques have greatly advanced the understanding of TE-mediated gene expression and its associations with genome methylation and suggest that controlled mobilization of TEs could be used for crop breeding. However, development application in this area has been limited, and an integrated view of TE function and subsequent processes is lacking. In this review, we explore the enormous diversity and likely functions of the TE repertoire in adaptive evolution and discuss some recent examples of how TEs impact gene expression in plant development and stress adaptation.

Spontaneous mutations in maize pollen are frequent in some lines and arise mainly from retrotranspositions and deletions

While studying spontaneous mutations at the maize bronze (bz) locus, we made the unexpected discovery that specific low-copy number retrotransposons are mobile in the pollen of some maize lines, but not of others. We conducted large-scale genetic experiments to isolate new bz mutations from several Bz stocks and recovered spontaneous stable mutations only in the pollen parent in reciprocal crosses. Most of the new stable bz mutations resulted from either insertions of low-copy number long terminal repeat (LTR) retrotransposons or deletions, the same two classes of mutations that predominated in a collection of spontaneous wx mutations [Wessler S (1997) The Mutants of Maize, pp 385-386]. Similar mutations were recovered at the closely linked sh locus. These events occurred with a frequency of 2-4 × 10^-5 in two lines derived from W22 and in 4Co63, but not at all in B73 or Mo17, two inbreds widely represented in Corn Belt hybrids. Surprisingly, the mutagenic LTR retrotransposons differed in the active lines, suggesting differences in the autonomous element make-up of the lines studied. Some active retrotransposons, like Hopscotch, Magellan, and Bs2, a Bs1 variant, were described previously; others, like Foto and Focou in 4Co63, were not. By high-throughput sequencing of retrotransposon junctions, we established that retrotranposition of Hopscotch, Magellan, and Bs2 occurs genome-wide in the pollen of active lines, but not in the female germline or in somatic tissues. We discuss here the implications of these results, which shed light on the source, frequency, and nature of spontaneous mutations in maize.

Chimeras Linked to Tandem Repeats and Transposable Elements in Tetraploid Hybrid Fish

The formation of the allotetraploid hybrid lineage (4nAT) encompasses both distant hybridization and polyploidization processes. The allotetraploid offspring have two sets of sub-genomes inherited from both parental species, and therefore, it is important to explore its genetic structure. Herein, we construct a bacterial artificial chromosome library of allotetraploids, and then sequence and analyze the full-length sequences of 19 bacterial artificial chromosomes. Sixty-eight DNA chimeras are identified, which are divided into four models according to the distribution of the genomic DNA derived from the parents. Among the 68 genetic chimeras, 44 (64.71%) are linked to tandem repeats (TRs) and 23 (33.82%) are linked to transposable elements (TEs). The chimeras linked to TRs are related to slipped-strand mispairing and double-strand break repair while the chimeras linked to TEs benefit from the intervention of recombinases. In addition, TRs and TEs can also result in insertions/deletions of DNA segments. We conclude that DNA chimeras accompanied by TRs and TEs coordinate a balance between the sub-genomes derived from the parents. It is the first report on the relationship between formation of the DNA chimeras and TRs and TEs in the polyploid animals.

LTR-retrotransposons in plants: Engines of evolution

LTR retrotransposons are the most abundant group of transposable elements (TEs) in plants. These elements can fall inside or close to genes, and therefore influence their expression and evolution. This review aims to examine how LTR retrotransposons, especially Ty1-copia elements, mediate gene regulation and evolution. Various stimuli, including polyploidization and biotic and abiotic elicitors, result in the transcription and movement of these retrotransposons, and can facilitate adaptation. The presence of cis-regulatory motifs in the LTRs are central to their stress-mediated responses and are shared with host stress-responsive genes, showing a complex evolutionary history in which TEs provide new regulatory units to genes. The presence of retrotransposon remnants in genes that are necessary for normal gene function, demonstrates the importance of exaptation and co-option, and is also a consequence of the abundance of these elements in plant genomes. Furthermore, insertions of LTR retrotransposons in and around genes provide potential for alternative splicing, epigenetic control, transduction, duplication and recombination. These characteristics can become an active part of the evolution of gene families as in the case of resistance genes (R-genes). The character of TEs as exclusively selfish is now being re-evaluated. Since genome-wide reprogramming via TEs is a long evolutionary process, the changes we can examine are case-specific and their fitness advantage may not be evident until TE-derived motifs and domains have been completely co-opted and fixed. Nevertheless, the presence of LTR retrotransposons inside genes and as part of gene promoter regions is consistent with their roles as engines of plant genome evolution.

Moving through the Stressed Genome: Emerging Regulatory Roles for Transposons in Plant Stress Response

The recognition of a positive correlation between organism genome size with its transposable element (TE) content, represents a key discovery of the field of genome biology. Considerable evidence accumulated since then suggests the involvement of TEs in genome structure, evolution and function. The global genome reorganization brought about by transposon activity might play an adaptive/regulatory role in the host response to environmental challenges, reminiscent of McClintock's original 'Controlling Element' hypothesis. This regulatory aspect of TEs is also garnering support in light of the recent evidences, which project TEs as "distributed genomic control modules." According to this view, TEs are capable of actively reprogramming host genes circuits and ultimately fine-tuning the host response to specific environmental stimuli. Moreover, the stress-induced changes in epigenetic status of TE activity may allow TEs to propagate their stress responsive elements to host genes; the resulting genome fluidity can permit phenotypic plasticity and adaptation to stress. Given their predominating presence in the plant genomes, nested organization in the genic regions and potential regulatory role in stress response, TEs hold unexplored potential for crop improvement programs. This review intends to present the current information about the roles played by TEs in plant genome organization, evolution, and function and highlight the regulatory mechanisms in plant stress responses. We will also briefly discuss the connection between TE activity, host epigenetic response and phenotypic plasticity as a critical link for traversing the translational bridge from a purely basic study of TEs, to the applied field of stress adaptation and crop improvement.

Development of IRAP- and REMAP-derived SCAR markers for marker-assisted selection of the stripe rust resistance gene Yr15 derived from wild emmer wheat

Yr15 provides broad resistance to stripe rust, an important wheat disease. REMAP- and IRAP-derived co-dominant SCAR markers were developed and localize Yr15 to a 1.2 cM interval. They are reliable across many cultivars. Stripe rust [Pucinia striiformis f.sp. tritici (Pst)] is one of the most important fungal diseases of wheat, found on all continents and in over 60 countries. Wild emmer wheat (Triticum dicoccoides), which is the tetraploid progenitor of durum wheat, is a valuable source of novel stripe rust resistance genes for wheat breeding. T. dicoccoides accession G25 carries Yr15 on chromosome 1BS. Yr15 confers resistance to virtually all tested Pst isolates; it is effective in durum and bread wheat introgressions and their derivatives. Retrotransposons generate polymorphic insertions, which can be scored as Mendelian markers using techniques such as REMAP and IRAP. Six REMAP- and IRAP-derived SCAR markers were mapped using 1,256 F2 plants derived from crosses of the susceptible T. durum accession D447 (DW1) with its resistant BC3F9 and BC3F10 (B9 and B10) near isogenic lines, which carried Yr15 introgressed from G25. The nearest markers segregated 0.1 cM proximally and 1.1 cM distally to Yr15. These markers were also mapped and validated at the same position in another 500 independent F2 plants derived from crosses of B9 and B10 with the susceptible cultivar Langdon (LDN). SC2700 and SC790, defining Yr15 on an interval of 1.2 cM, were found to be reliable and robust co-dominant markers in a wide range of wheat lines and cultivars with and without Yr15. These markers are useful tags in marker-assisted wheat breeding programs that aim to incorporate Yr15 into elite wheat lines and cultivars for durable and broad-spectrum resistance to stripe rust.

Environmental stress activation of plant long-terminal repeat retrotransposons

Genomic retrotransposons (RTs) are major components of most plant genomes. They spread throughout the genomes by a process termed retrotransposition, which consists of reverse transcription and reinsertion of the copied element into a new genomic location (a copy-and-paste system). Abiotic and biotic stresses activate long-terminal repeat (LTR) RTs in photosynthetic eukaryotes from algae to angiosperms. LTR RTs could represent a threat to the integrity of host genomes because of their activity and mutagenic potential by epigenetic regulation. Host genomes have developed mechanisms to control the activity of the retroelements and their mutagenic potential. Some LTR RTs escape these defense mechanisms, and maintain their ability to be activated and transpose as a result of biotic or abiotic stress stimuli. These stimuli include pathogen infection, mechanical damage, in vitro tissue culturing, heat, drought and salt stress, generation of doubled haploids, X-ray irradiation and many others. Reactivation of LTR RTs differs between different plant genomes. The expression levels of reactivated RTs are influenced by the transcriptional and post-transcriptional gene silencing mechanisms (e.g. DNA methylation, heterochromatin formation and RNA interference). Moreover, the insertion of RTs (e.g. Triticum aestivum L. Wis2-1A) into or next to coding regions of the host genome can generate changes in the expression of adjacent host genes of the host. In this paper, we review the ways that plant genomic LTR RTs are activated by environmental stimuli to affect restructuring and diversification of the host genome.

The contributions of transposable elements to the structure, function, and evolution of plant genomes

Transposable elements (TEs) are the key players in generating genomic novelty by a combination of the chromosome rearrangements they cause and the genes that come under their regulatory sway. Genome size, gene content, gene order, centromere function, and numerous other aspects of nuclear biology are driven by TE activity. Although the origins and attitudes of TEs have the hallmarks of selfish DNA, there are numerous cases where TE components have been co-opted by the host to create new genes or modify gene regulation. In particular, epigenetic regulation has been transformed from a process to silence invading TEs and viruses into a key strategy for regulating plant genes. Most, perhaps all, of this epigenetic regulation is derived from TE insertions near genes or TE-encoded factors that act in trans. Enormous pools of genome data and new technologies for reverse genetics will lead to a powerful new era of TE analysis in plants.

Genomewide variation in an introgression line of rice-Zizania revealed by whole-genome re-sequencing

BACKGROUND

Hybridization between genetically diverged organisms is known as an important avenue that drives plant genome evolution. The possible outcomes of hybridization would be the occurrences of genetic instabilities in the resultant hybrids. It remained under-investigated however whether pollination by alien pollens of a closely related but sexually "incompatible" species could evoke genomic changes and to what extent it may result in phenotypic novelties in the derived progenies.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

In this study, we have re-sequenced the genomes of Oryza sativa ssp. japonica cv. Matsumae and one of its derived introgressant RZ35 that was obtained from an introgressive hybridization between Matsumae and Zizanialatifolia Griseb. in general, 131 millions 90 base pair (bp) paired-end reads were generated which covered 13.2 and 21.9 folds of the Matsumae and RZ35 genomes, respectively. Relative to Matsumae, a total of 41,724 homozygous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 17,839 homozygous insertions/deletions (indels) were identified in RZ35, of which 3,797 SNPs were nonsynonymous mutations. Furthermore, rampant mobilization of transposable elements (TEs) was found in the RZ35 genome. The results of pathogen inoculation revealed that RZ35 exhibited enhanced resistance to blast relative to Matsumae. Notably, one nonsynonymous mutation was found in the known blast resistance gene Pid3/Pi25 and real-time quantitative (q) RT-PCR analysis revealed constitutive up-regulation of its expression, suggesting both altered function and expression of Pid3/Pi25 may be responsible for the enhanced resistance to rice blast by RZ35.

CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE

Our results demonstrate that introgressive hybridization by Zizania has provoked genomewide, extensive genomic changes in the rice genome, and some of which have resulted in important phenotypic novelties. These findings suggest that introgressive hybridization by alien pollens of even a sexually incompatible species may represent a potent means to generate novel genetic diversities, and which may have played relevant roles in plant evolution and can be manipulated for crop improvements.

Co-evolution of plant LTR-retrotransposons and their host genomes

Transposable elements (TEs), particularly, long terminal repeat retrotransposons (LTR-RTs), are the most abundant DNA components in all plant species that have been investigated, and are largely responsible for plant genome size variation. Although plant genomes have experienced periodic proliferation and/or recent burst of LTR-retrotransposons, the majority of LTR-RTs are inactivated by DNA methylation and small RNA-mediated silencing mechanisms, and/or were deleted/truncated by unequal homologous recombination and illegitimate recombination, as suppression mechanisms that counteract genome expansion caused by LTR-RT amplification. LTR-RT DNA is generally enriched in pericentromeric regions of the host genomes, which appears to be the outcomes of preferential insertions of LTR-RTs in these regions and low effectiveness of selection that purges LTR-RT DNA from these regions relative to chromosomal arms. Potential functions of various TEs in their host genomes remain blurry; nevertheless, LTR-RTs have been recognized to play important roles in maintaining chromatin structures and centromere functions and regulation of gene expressions in their host genomes.

The dynamics of LTR retrotransposon accumulation across 25 million years of panicoid grass evolution

Sample sequence analysis was employed to investigate the repetitive DNAs that were most responsible for the evolved variation in genome content across seven panicoid grasses with >5-fold variation in genome size and different histories of polyploidy. In all cases, the most abundant repeats were LTR retrotransposons, but the particular families that had become dominant were found to be different in the Pennisetum, Saccharum, Sorghum and Zea lineages. One element family, Huck, has been very active in all of the studied species over the last few million years. This suggests the transmittal of an active or quiescent autonomous set of Huck elements to this lineage at the founding of the panicoids. Similarly, independent recent activity of Ji and Opie elements in Zea and of Leviathan elements in Sorghum and Saccharum species suggests that members of these families with exceptional activation potential were present in the genome(s) of the founders of these lineages. In a detailed analysis of the Zea lineage, the combined action of several families of LTR retrotransposons were observed to have approximately doubled the genome size of Zea luxurians relative to Zea mays and Zea diploperennis in just the last few million years. One of the LTR retrotransposon amplification bursts in Zea may have been initiated by polyploidy, but the great majority of transposable element activations are not. Instead, the results suggest random activation of a few or many LTR retrotransposons families in particular lineages over evolutionary time, with some families especially prone to future activation and hyper-amplification.

Identification, characterization and distribution of transposable elements in the flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) genome

BACKGROUND

Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) is an important crop for the production of bioproducts derived from its seed and stem fiber. Transposable elements (TEs) are widespread in plant genomes and are a key component of their evolution. The availability of a genome assembly of flax (Linum usitatissimum) affords new opportunities to explore the diversity of TEs and their relationship to genes and gene expression.

RESULTS

Four de novo repeat identification algorithms (PILER, RepeatScout, LTR_finder and LTR_STRUC) were applied to the flax genome assembly. The resulting library of flax repeats was combined with the RepBase Viridiplantae division and used with RepeatMasker to identify TEs coverage in the genome. LTR retrotransposons were the most abundant TEs (17.2% genome coverage), followed by Long Interspersed Nuclear Element (LINE) retrotransposons (2.10%) and Mutator DNA transposons (1.99%). Comparison of putative flax TEs to flax transcript databases indicated that TEs are not highly expressed in flax. However, the presence of recent insertions, defined by 100% intra-element LTR similarity, provided evidence for recent TE activity. Spatial analysis showed TE-rich regions, gene-rich regions as well as regions with similar genes and TE density. Monte Carlo simulations for the 71 largest scaffolds (≥ 1 Mb each) did not show any regional differences in the frequency of TE overlap with gene coding sequences. However, differences between TE superfamilies were found in their proximity to genes. Genes within TE-rich regions also appeared to have lower transcript expression, based on EST abundance. When LTR elements were compared, Copia showed more diversity, recent insertions and conserved domains than the Gypsy, demonstrating their importance in genome evolution.

CONCLUSIONS

The calculated 23.06% TE coverage of the flax WGS assembly is at the low end of the range of TE coverages reported in other eudicots, although this estimate does not include TEs likely found in unassembled repetitive regions of the genome. Since enrichment for TEs in genomic regions was associated with reduced expression of neighbouring genes, and many members of the Copia LTR superfamily are inserted close to coding regions, we suggest Copia elements have a greater influence on recent flax genome evolution while Gypsy elements have become residual and highly mutated.

Identification of a functional transposon insertion in the maize domestication gene tb1

Genetic diversity created by transposable elements is an important source of functional variation upon which selection acts during evolution. Transposable elements are associated with adaptation to temperate climates in Drosophila, a SINE element is associated with the domestication of small dog breeds from the gray wolf and there is evidence that transposable elements were targets of selection during human evolution. Although the list of examples of transposable elements associated with host gene function continues to grow, proof that transposable elements are causative and not just correlated with functional variation is limited. Here we show that a transposable element (Hopscotch) inserted in a regulatory region of the maize domestication gene, teosinte branched1 (tb1), acts as an enhancer of gene expression and partially explains the increased apical dominance in maize compared to its progenitor, teosinte. Molecular dating indicates that the Hopscotch insertion predates maize domestication by at least 10,000 years, indicating that selection acted on standing variation rather than new mutation.

Inference of subgenomic origin of BACs in an interspecific hybrid sugarcane cultivar by overlapping oligonucleotide hybridizations

Sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) breeders in the early 20th century made remarkable progress in increasing yield and disease resistance by crossing Saccharum spontaneum L., a wild relative, to Saccharum officinarum L., a traditional cultivar. Modern sugarcane cultivars have approximately 71%-83% of their chromosomes originating from S. officinarum, approximately 10%-21% from S. spontaneum, and approximately 2%-13% recombinant or translocated chromosomes. In the present work, C(0)t-based cloning and sequencing (CBCS) was implemented to further explore highly repetitive DNA and to seek species-specific repeated DNA in both S. officinarum and S. spontaneum. For putatively species-specific sequences, overlappping oligonucleotide probes (overgos) were designed and hybridized to BAC filters from the interspecific hybrid sugarcane cultivar 'R570' to try to deduce parental origins of BAC clones. We inferred that 12 967 BACs putatively originated from S. officinarum and 5117 BACs from S. spontaneum. Another 1103 BACs were hybridized by both species-specific overgos, too many to account for by conventional recombination, thus suggesting ectopic recombination and (or) translocation of DNA elements. Constructing a low C(0)t library is useful to collect highly repeated DNA sequences and to search for potentially species-specific molecular markers, especially among recently diverged species. Even in the absence of repeat families that are species-specific in their entirety, the identification of localized variations within consensus sequences, coupled with the site specificity of short synthetic overgos, permits researchers to monitor species-specific or species-enriched variants.

Ttd1a promoter is involved in DNA-protein binding by salt and light stresses

Stress modulation of retrotransposons may play a role in generating host genetic plasticity in response to environmental stress. Transposable elements have been suggested to contribute to the evolution of genes, by providing cis-regulatory elements leading to changes in expression patterns. Indeed, their promoter elements are similar to those of plant defence genes and may bind similar defence-induced transcription factors. We previously isolated a new Ty1-copia retrontrasposon named Ttd1a and showed its activation and mobilization in salt and light stresses. Here, using a retard mobility assay in Triticum durum L. crude extracts, we showed that the CAAT motif present in the Ttd1a retrotransposon promoter, is involved in DNA-protein binding under salt and light stresses and therefore in the regulation of Ttd1a activity. Data presented in this paper suggest that nuclear proteins can interact with the CAAT motif either directly or indirectly and enhance Ttd1a by a specific ligand-dependent activation under stress.

Isolation of Ty1-copia retrotransposon in myrtle genome and development of S-SAP molecular marker

Long terminal repeat (LTR)-retrotransposons are mobile genetic elements that are ubiquitous in plants and constitute a major portion of their nuclear genomes. LTR- retrotransposons possess unique properties that make them appropriate for investigating relationships between populations, varieties and closely related species. Myrtus communis L. is an evergreen shrub growing spontaneously throughout the Mediterranean area. Accessions show significant variations for agriculturally important traits, so the development of specific molecular markers for conservation and characterization of myrtle germplasm is desirable to conserve biodiversity. In this study, we isolated the first retrotransposon Ty1-copia-like element (Tmc1) in Myrtus communis L. genome and used this as a molecular marker. We successfully employed the S-SAP marker system to specifically characterize four myrtle accessions belonging to different areas in the province of Caserta (Italy). The high level of polymorphism detected in isolated LTRs, make Tmc1 a good molecular marker for this species. Our findings confirm that retrotransposon-based molecular markers are particularly valuable tools for plant molecular characterization studies.

Variability of ribosomal DNA sites in Festuca pratensis, Lolium perenne, and their intergeneric hybrids, revealed by FISH and GISH

This study focuses on the variability of chromosomal location and number of ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sites in some diploid and autotetraploid Festuca pratensis and Lolium perenne cultivars, as well as on identification of rDNA-bearing chromosomes in their triploid and tetraploid F. pratensis × L. perenne hybrids. The rDNA loci were mapped using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with 5S and 25S rDNA probes, and the origin of parental genomes was verified by genomic in situ hybridization (GISH) with L. perenne genomic DNA as a probe, and F. pratensis genomic DNA as a block. FISH detected variation in the number and chromosomal location of both 5S and 45S rDNA sites. In F. pratensis mostly additional signals of 5S rDNA loci occurred, as compared with standard F. pratensis karyotypes. Losses of 45S rDNA loci were more frequent in L. perenne cultivars and intergeneric hybrids. Comparison of the F. pratensis and L. perenne genomes approved a higher number of rDNA sites as well as variation in chromosomal rDNA location in L. perenne. A greater instability of F. pratensis-genome-like and L. perenne-genome-like chromosomes in tetraploid hybrids was revealed, indicating gains and losses of rDNA loci, respectively. Our data indicate that the rDNA loci physically mapped on chromosomes 2 and 3 in F. pratensis and on chromosome 3 in L. perenne are useful markers for these chromosomes in intergeneric Festuca × Lolium hybrids.

Repetitive part of the banana (Musa acuminata) genome investigated by low-depth 454 sequencing

BACKGROUND

Bananas and plantains (Musa spp.) are grown in more than a hundred tropical and subtropical countries and provide staple food for hundreds of millions of people. They are seed-sterile crops propagated clonally and this makes them vulnerable to a rapid spread of devastating diseases and at the same time hampers breeding improved cultivars. Although the socio-economic importance of bananas and plantains cannot be overestimated, they remain outside the focus of major research programs. This slows down the study of nuclear genome and the development of molecular tools to facilitate banana improvement.

RESULTS

In this work, we report on the first thorough characterization of the repeat component of the banana (M. acuminata cv. 'Calcutta 4') genome. Analysis of almost 100 Mb of sequence data (0.15× genome coverage) permitted partial sequence reconstruction and characterization of repetitive DNA, making up about 30% of the genome. The results showed that the banana repeats are predominantly made of various types of Ty1/copia and Ty3/gypsy retroelements representing 16 and 7% of the genome respectively. On the other hand, DNA transposons were found to be rare. In addition to new families of transposable elements, two new satellite repeats were discovered and found useful as cytogenetic markers. To help in banana sequence annotation, a specific Musa repeat database was created, and its utility was demonstrated by analyzing the repeat composition of 62 genomic BAC clones.

CONCLUSION

A low-depth 454 sequencing of banana nuclear genome provided the largest amount of DNA sequence data available until now for Musa and permitted reconstruction of most of the major types of DNA repeats. The information obtained in this study improves the knowledge of the long-range organization of banana chromosomes, and provides sequence resources needed for repeat masking and annotation during the Musa genome sequencing project. It also provides sequence data for isolation of DNA markers to be used in genetic diversity studies and in marker-assisted selection.

FaRE1: a transcriptionally active Ty1-copia retrotransposon in strawberry

Retrotransposons are ubiquitous in the plant kingdom and constitute a large fraction of many plant genomes. Although most retrotransposons from plants were thought to be transcriptionally silent in somatic tissues, evidence of activity under certain conditions is available in some cases. In this study, a complete LTR retrotransposon was isolated from the cultivated strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa) genome using genome walking. The element, named FaRE1, has all the features of a typical Ty1-copia retrotransposon. Its total length was 5,104 bp, comprising a single 3,891 bp open reading frame. It is represented by approximately 96 copies per genome, equivalent to approximately 0.33% of the genome. Transcription of FaRE1 was detected in leaf tissue treated with various phytohormones, such as naphthalene acetic acid, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid or abscisic acid . To our knowledge, this is the first report of the isolation of a complete LTR retrotransposon with transcriptional activity in strawberry.

Polymorphism of a new Ty1-copia retrotransposon in durum wheat under salt and light stresses

Long terminal repeat retrotransposons are the most abundant mobile elements in the plant genome and play an important role in the genome reorganization induced by environmental challenges. Their success depends on the ability of their promoters to respond to different signaling pathways that regulate plant adaptation to biotic and abiotic stresses. We have isolated a new Ty1-copia-like retrotransposon, named Ttd1a from the Triticum durum L. genome. To get insight into stress activation pathways in Ttd1a, we investigated the effect of salt and light stresses by RT-PCR and S-SAP profiling. We screened for Ttd1a insertion polymorphisms in plants grown to stress and showed that one new insertion was located near the resistance gene. Our analysis showed that the activation and mobilization of Ttd1a was controlled by salt and light stresses, which strengthened the hypothesis that stress mobilization of this element might play a role in the defense response to environmental stresses.

Molecular evolution of piRNA and transposon control pathways in Drosophila

The mere prevalence and potential mobilization of transposable elements in eukaryotic genomes present challenges at both the organismal and population levels. Not only is transposition able to alter gene function and chromosomal structure, but loss of control over even a single active element in the germline can create an evolutionary dead end. Despite the dangers of coexistence, transposons and their activity have been shown to drive the evolution of gene function, chromosomal organization, and even population dynamics (Kazazian 2004). This implies that organisms have adopted elaborate means to balance both the positive and detrimental consequences of transposon activity. In this chapter, we focus on the fruit fly to explore some of the molecular clues into the long- and short-term adaptation to transposon colonization and persistence within eukaryotic genomes.

Molecular characterization of the Sasanda LTR copia retrotransposon family uncovers their recent amplification in Triticum aestivum (L.) genome

Retrotransposons constitute a major proportion of the Triticeae genomes. Genome-scale studies have revealed their role in evolution affecting both genome structure and function and their potential for the development of novel markers. In this study, family members of an LTR copia retrotransposon which mediated the duplication of the gene encoding the high molecular weight glutenin subunit Bx7 in cultivar Glenlea were characterized. This novel element was named Sasanda_EU157184-1 (TREP3516). High density filters of the Glenlea hexaploid wheat BAC library were screened with a Sasanda long terminal repeat (LTR)-specific probe and approximately 1,075 positive clones representing an estimated copy number of 347 elements per haploid genome were identified. The 242 BAC clones with the strongest hybridization signal were selected. To maximize isolation of complete elements, this subset of clones was screened with a reverse transcriptase (RT) domain probe and DNA was isolated from the 133 clones that produced a strong hybridization signal. Left (5') and right (3') LTRs as well as the RT domains were PCR amplified and sequencing was carried out on the final subset of 121 clones. Evolutionary relationships were inferred from a data set consisting of 100 RT, 102 5' LTR and 100 3' LTR sequences representing 233, 451 and 495 informative sites for comparison, respectively. Neighbour-joining tree indicated that the element is at least 1.8 million years old and has evolved into a minimum of five sub-families. The insertion times of the 89 complete elements were estimated based on the divergence between their LTRs. Corroborating the inference from the RT domain, analysis of the LTR domains also indicated bursts of amplification from 2.6 million years ago (MYA) to now, except for one member dated to 4.6 +/- 0.7 MYA, which corresponds to the interval of divergence of Triticum and Aegilops (3 MYA) and divergence of Triticum and Rye (7 MYA). In 44 elements, the 5' and 3' LTRs were identical indicating recent transposition activity. The element can be used to develop retrotransposon-based markers such as sequence-specific amplified polymorphism, retrotransposon microsatellite amplified polymorphism and inter-retrotransposon amplified polymorphism, all of which are well suited for genotyping studies.

Genome analysis and genetic enhancement of tomato

The Solanaceae is an important family of vegetable crops, ornamentals and medicinal plants. Tomato has served as a model member of this family largely because of its enriched cytogenetic, genetic, as well as physical, maps. Mapping has helped in cloning several genes of importance such as Pto, responsible for resistance against bacterial speck disease, Mi-1.2 for resistance against nematodes, and fw2.2 QTL for fruit weight. A high-throughput genome-sequencing program has been initiated by an international consortium of 10 countries. Since heterochromatin has been found to be concentrated near centromeres, the consortium is focusing on sequencing only the gene-rich euchromatic region. Genomes of the members of Solanaceae show a significant degree of synteny, suggesting that the tomato genome sequence would help in the cloning of genes for important traits from other Solanaceae members as well. ESTs from a large number of cDNA libraries have been sequenced, and microarray chips, in conjunction with wide array of ripening mutants, have contributed immensely to the understanding of the fruit-ripening phenomenon. Work on the analysis of the tomato proteome has also been initiated. Transgenic tomato plants with improved abiotic stress tolerance, disease resistance and insect resistance, have been developed. Attempts have also been made to develop tomato as a bioreactor for various pharmaceutical proteins. However, control of fruit quality and ripening remains an active and challenging area of research. Such efforts should pave the way to improve not only tomato, but also other solanaceous crops.

Small RNAs as guardians of the genome

Transposons populate the landscape of all eukaryotic genomes. Often considered purely genomic parasites, transposons can also benefit their hosts, playing roles in gene regulation and in genome organization and evolution. Peaceful coexistence with mobile elements depends upon adaptive control mechanisms, since unchecked transposon activity can impact long-term fitness and acutely reduce the fertility of progeny. Here, we review the conserved roles played by small RNAs in the adaptation of eukaryotes to coexist with their genomic colonists. An understanding of transposon-defense pathways has uncovered recurring themes in the mechanisms by which genomes distinguish "self" from "non-self" and selectively silence the latter.

The marker SCK13(603) associated with resistance to ascochyta blight in chickpea is located in a region of a putative retrotransposon

The sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) marker SCK13(603), associated with ascochyta blight resistance in a chickpea recombinant inbred line (RIL) population, was used as anchored sequence for genome walking. The PCRs performed in the walking steps to walk in the same direction produced eight bands in 5' direction and five bands in 3' direction with a length ranking from 530 to 2,871 bp. The assembly of the bands sequences along with the sequence of SCK13(603) resulted in 7,815 bp contig. Blastn analyses showed stretches of DNA sequence mainly distributed from the nucleotides 1,500 to 4,500 significantly similar to Medicago truncatula genomic DNA. Three open reading frames (ORFs) were identified and blastp analysis of predicted amino acids sequences revealed that ORF1, ORF2 and ORF3 had significant similarity to a CCHC zinc finger protein, to an integrase, and to a precursor of the glucoamylase s1/s2, respectively, from M. truncatula. The high homology of the putative proteins derived from ORF1 and ORF2 with retrotransposon proteins and the prediction of the existence of conserved domains usually present in retrotransposon proteins indicate that the marker SCK13(603) is located in a region of a putative retrotransposon. The information generated in this study has contributed to increase the knowledge of this important region for blight resistance in chickpea.

Fluidity of eukaryotic genomes

The understanding the different kinds of sequences that make up a genome, as well as their proportions in genomes (obtained by the sequencing of the complete genome), has considerably changed our idea of evolution at the genomic level. The former view of a slowly evolving genome has given way to the idea of a genome that can undergo many transformations, on a large or small scale, depending on the evolution of the different types of sequences constituting it. Here we summarise the evolution of these sequences and the impact it can have on the genome. We have focused on micro-transformations, and especially on the impact of transposable elements on genomes.

Genome-wide analysis of transposon insertion polymorphisms reveals intraspecific variation in cultivated rice

Insertions and precise eliminations of transposable elements generated numerous transposon insertion polymorphisms (TIPs) in rice (Oryza sativa). We observed that TIPs represent more than 50% of large insertions and deletions (>100 bp) in the rice genome. Using a comparative genomic approach, we identified 2,041 TIPs between the genomes of two cultivars, japonica Nipponbare and indica 93-11. We also identified 691 TIPs between Nipponbare and indica Guangluai 4 in the 23-Mb collinear regions of chromosome 4. Among them, retrotransposon-based insertion polymorphisms were used to reveal the evolutionary relationships of these three cultivars. Our conservative estimates suggest that the TIPs generated approximately 14% of the genomic DNA sequence differences between subspecies indica and japonica. It was also found that more than 10% of TIPs were located in expressed gene regions, representing an important source of genetic variation. Transcript evidence implies that these TIPs induced a series of genetic differences between two subspecies, including interrupting host genes, creating different expression forms, drastically changing intron length, and affecting expression levels of adjacent genes. These analyses provide genome-wide insights into evolutionary history and genetic variation of rice.

Effect of divergence time and recombination rate on molecular evolution of Drosophila INE-1 transposable elements and other candidates for neutrally evolving sites

Interspecies divergence of orthologous transposable element remnants is often assumed to be simply due to genetic drift of neutral mutations that occurred after the divergence of the species. However, divergence may also be affected by other factors, such as variation in the mutation rate, ancestral polymorphisms, or selection. Here we attempt to determine the impact of these forces on divergence of three classes of sites that are often assumed to be selectively unconstrained (INE-1 TE remnants, sites within short introns, and fourfold degenerate sites) in two different pairwise comparisons of Drosophila (D. melanogaster vs. D. simulans and D. simulans vs. D. sechellia). We find that divergence of these three classes of sites is strongly influenced by the recombination environment in which they are located, and this is especially true for the closer D. simulans vs. D. sechellia comparison. We suggest that this is mainly a result of the contribution of ancestral polymorphisms in different recombination regions. We also find that intergenic INE-1 elements are significantly more diverged than intronic INE-1 in both pairwise comparisons, implying the presence of either negative selection or lower mutation rates in introns. Furthermore, we show that substitution rates in INE-1 elements are not associated with the length of the noncoding sequence in which they are located, suggesting that reduced divergence in long noncoding sequences is not due to reduced mutation rates in these regions. Finally, we show that GC content for each site within INE-1 sequences has evolved toward an equilibrium value (approximately 33%) since insertion.

Ty1-copiaretrotransposon-based SSAP marker development and its potential in the genetic study of cucurbits

Three long terminal repeat (LTR) sequences of Ty1-copia retrotransposons were identified in cucumber ( Cucumis sativus L.) and named Tcs 1, Tcs 2, and Tcs 3. A sequence-specific amplification polymorphism (SSAP) marker system based on these LTR sequences displayed a higher level of polymorphism than AFLPs in cucumber. This marker system could also detect loci in other Cucumis species for genetic diversity analysis. The three Tcs LTRs existed within the exons of genes because of the effective amplification band patterns from the cDNA templates. The potential usefulness of the SSAP marker system in studies of the evolution of genes or genomes was verified after exploring loci changes in first and second generations of a synthetic allotetraploid in Cucumis. This study is the first report of the development of a retrotransposon-based marker system and the SSAP technique in cucurbits.

Terminal repeat retrotransposon in miniature (TRIM) as DNA markers in Brassica relatives

We have developed a display system using a unique sequence of terminal repeat retrotransposon in miniature (TRIM) elements, which were recently identified from gene-rich regions of Brassica rapa. The technique, named TRIM display, is based on modification of the AFLP technique using an adapter primer for the restriction fragments of BfaI and a primer derived from conserved terminal repeat sequences of TRIM elements, Br1 and Br2. TRIM display using genomic DNA produced 50-70 bands ranging from 100 to 700 bp in all the species of the family Brassicaceae. TRIM display using B. rapa cDNA produced about 20 bands. Sequences of 11 randomly selected bands, 7 from genomic DNA and 4 from cDNA, begin with about 104 bp of the terminal repeat sequences of TRIM elements Br1 or Br2 and end with unique sequences indicating that all bands are derived from unique insertion sites of TRIM elements. Furthermore, 7 of the 11 unique sequences showed significant similarity with expressed gene. Most of the TRIM display bands were polymorphic between genera and about 55% (132 of 239 bands) are polymorphic among 19 commercial F1 hybrid cultivars. Analysis of phylogenetic relationships shows clear-cut lineage among the 19 cultivars. Furthermore, a combination of 11 polymorphic bands derived from only one primer combination can clearly distinguish one cultivar from the others. TRIM display bands were reproducible and inheritable through successive generations that is revealed by genetic mapping of 6 out of 27 polymorphic TRIM markers on the genetic map of Brassica napus. Collective data provide evidence that TRIM display can provide useful DNA markers in Brassica relatives because these markers are distributed in gene-rich regions, and are sometimes involved in the restructuring of genes.

CGKB: an annotation knowledge base for cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) methylation filtered genomic genespace sequences

Background

Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] is one of the most important food and forage legumes in the semi-arid tropics because of its ability to tolerate drought and grow on poor soils. It is cultivated mostly by poor farmers in developing countries, with 80% of production taking place in the dry savannah of tropical West and Central Africa. Cowpea is largely an underexploited crop with relatively little genomic information available for use in applied plant breeding. The goal of the Cowpea Genomics Initiative (CGI), funded by the Kirkhouse Trust, a UK-based charitable organization, is to leverage modern molecular genetic tools for gene discovery and cowpea improvement. One aspect of the initiative is the sequencing of the gene-rich region of the cowpea genome (termed the genespace) recovered using methylation filtration technology and providing annotation and analysis of the sequence data.

Description

CGKB, Cowpea Genespace/Genomics Knowledge Base, is an annotation knowledge base developed under the CGI. The database is based on information derived from 298,848 cowpea genespace sequences (GSS) isolated by methylation filtering of genomic DNA. The CGKB consists of three knowledge bases: GSS annotation and comparative genomics knowledge base, GSS enzyme and metabolic pathway knowledge base, and GSS simple sequence repeats (SSRs) knowledge base for molecular marker discovery. A homology-based approach was applied for annotations of the GSS, mainly using BLASTX against four public FASTA formatted protein databases (NCBI GenBank Proteins, UniProtKB-Swiss-Prot, UniprotKB-PIR (Protein Information Resource), and UniProtKB-TrEMBL). Comparative genome analysis was done by BLASTX searches of the cowpea GSS against four plant proteomes from Arabidopsis thaliana, Oryza sativa, Medicago truncatula, and Populus trichocarpa. The possible exons and introns on each cowpea GSS were predicted using the HMM-based Genscan gene predication program and the potential domains on annotated GSS were analyzed using the HMMER package against the Pfam database. The annotated GSS were also assigned with Gene Ontology annotation terms and integrated with 228 curated plant metabolic pathways from the Arabidopsis Information Resource (TAIR) knowledge base. The UniProtKB-Swiss-Prot ENZYME database was used to assign putative enzymatic function to each GSS. Each GSS was also analyzed with the Tandem Repeat Finder (TRF) program in order to identify potential SSRs for molecular marker discovery. The raw sequence data, processed annotation, and SSR results were stored in relational tables designed in key-value pair fashion using a PostgreSQL relational database management system. The biological knowledge derived from the sequence data and processed results are represented as views or materialized views in the relational database management system. All materialized views are indexed for quick data access and retrieval. Data processing and analysis pipelines were implemented using the Perl programming language. The web interface was implemented in JavaScript and Perl CGI running on an Apache web server. The CPU intensive data processing and analysis pipelines were run on a computer cluster of more than 30 dual-processor Apple XServes. A job management system called Vela was created as a robust way to submit large numbers of jobs to the Portable Batch System (PBS).

Conclusion

CGKB is an integrated and annotated resource for cowpea GSS with features of homology-based and HMM-based annotations, enzyme and pathway annotations, GO term annotation, toolkits, and a large number of other facilities to perform complex queries. The cowpea GSS, chloroplast sequences, mitochondrial sequences, retroelements, and SSR sequences are available as FASTA formatted files and downloadable at CGKB. This database and web interface are publicly accessible at .

Isolation and characterization of Ty1/copia-like retrotransposons in mung bean (Vigna radiata)

Two Ty1/copia-like retrotransposons, RTvr1 and RTvr2, were isolated from mung bean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) genomic DNA and are the first complete elements of this kind to be reported in this legume. Nucleotide sequence analyses revealed that both elements are AT-rich (60% and 61%, respectively) and are flanked by a target-site duplication of 5 bp. The structures of RTvr1 and RTvr2 are those of typical long terminal repeat retrotransposons. Both transposons were able to produce putative proteins with the domain order of Gag-protease-integrase-reverse transcriptase-RNase H, indicating that RTvr1 and RTvr2 belong to the Ty1/copia-like retrotransposons. Except for a 2,500-bp insertion region in RTvr2, the overall similarity between RTvr1 and RTvr2 is 92%. Dot blots showed that these two retroelements were present at a copy number of 120 per mung bean haploid genome. Multiple sequence alignments showed that the conserved motifs of the aspartic proteases, integrase, reverse transcriptase, and the RNase H in the Ty1/copia-like group all exist in RTvr1 and RTvr2.

The indeterminate gametophyte1 gene of maize encodes a LOB domain protein required for embryo Sac and leaf development

Angiosperm embryo sac development begins with a phase of free nuclear division followed by cellularization and differentiation of cell types. The indeterminate gametophyte1 (ig1) gene of maize (Zea mays) restricts the proliferative phase of female gametophyte development. ig1 mutant female gametophytes have a prolonged phase of free nuclear divisions leading to a variety of embryo sac abnormalities, including extra egg cells, extra polar nuclei, and extra synergids. Positional cloning of ig1 was performed based on the genome sequence of the orthologous region in rice. ig1 encodes a LATERAL ORGAN BOUNDARIES domain protein with high similarity to ASYMMETRIC LEAVES2 of Arabidopsis thaliana. A second mutant allele of ig1 was identified in a noncomplementation screen using active Mutator transposable element lines. Homozygous ig1 mutants have abnormal leaf morphology as well as abnormal embryo sac development. Affected leaves have disrupted abaxial-adaxial polarity and fail to repress the expression of meristem-specific knotted-like homeobox (knox) genes in leaf primordia, causing a proliferative, stem cell identity to persist in these cells. Despite the superficial similarity of ig1-O leaves and embryo sacs, ectopic knox gene expression cannot be detected in ig1-O embryo sacs.

Mechanisms and rates of birth and death of dispersed duplicated genes during the evolution of a multigene family in diploid and tetraploid wheats

A family of 5 genes that evolved within the past 1.9 Myr in diploid wheat was characterized. The ancestral gene, ALP-A1, is on chromosome 1A and encodes an aci-reductone dioxygenase-like protein. The duplicated genes ALP-A2, ALP-A3, ALP-A4.1, and ALP-A4.2 acquired complete coding sequences but lost the original promoter. They are on chromosomes 4A, 2A, 6A and 6A, respectively, and evolved sequentially, the youngest duplicated gene always producing the next duplicate. It is shown that dispersed gene duplication rate consists of the primary rate (duplications of ancestral genes) and the secondary rate (duplications of genes that had been generated by recent duplications). The primary rate was 2.5 x 10(-3) gene(-1) Myr(-1) in diploid wheat. The secondary rate was 5.2 x 10(-2) gene(-1) Myr(-1) in the ALP family. The 20-fold acceleration of the secondary rate was caused by the insertion of the ALP-A2 gene into a novel type transposon. Only the ALP-A1 and ALP-A3 genes are transcribed. The transcription of ALP-A3 is directed by a promoter within a DNA fragment similar to a CACTA type of DNA transposons, making ALP-A3 a new gene. The ALP-A3 transcript is longer than that of the ALP-A1. The half-life of ALP duplicated genes was estimated to be 0.87 Myr. Strong purifying selection acting on the ancestral gene ALP-A1 was undiminished by the evolution of duplicated genes. The evolution of the ALP family shows that repeated elements facilitate both gene duplication and expression of duplicated genes and highlights their importance for the evolution of gene repertoire in large plant genomes.

Parasitism and the retrotransposon life cycle in plants: a hitchhiker's guide to the genome

LTR (long terminal repeat) retrotransposons are the main components of higher plant genomic DNA. They have shaped their host genomes through insertional mutagenesis and by effects on genome size, gene expression and recombination. These Class I transposable elements are closely related to retroviruses such as the HIV by their structure and presumptive life cycle. However, the retrotransposon life cycle has been closely investigated in few systems. For retroviruses and retrotransposons, individual defective copies can parasitize the activity of functional ones. However, some LTR retrotransposon groups as a whole, such as large retrotransposon derivatives and terminal repeats in miniature, are non-autonomous even though their genomic insertion patterns remain polymorphic between organismal accessions. Here, we examine what is known of the retrotransposon life cycle in plants, and in that context discuss the role of parasitism and complementation between and within retrotransposon groups.

Efficient algorithms and software for detection of full-length LTR retrotransposons

LTR retrotransposons constitute one of the most abundant classes of repetitive elements in eukaryotic genomes. In this paper, we present a new algorithm for detection of full-length LTR retrotransposons in genomic sequences. The algorithm identifies regions in a genomic sequence that show structural characteristics of LTR retrotransposons. Three key components distinguish our algorithm from that of current software--(i) a novel method that preprocesses the entire genomic sequence in linear time and produces high quality pairs of LTR candidates in run-time that is constant per pair, (ii) a thorough alignment-based evaluation of candidate pairs to ensure high quality prediction, and (iii) a robust parameter set encompassing both structural constraints and quality controls providing users with a high degree of flexibility. We implemented our algorithm into a software program called LTR_par, which can be run on both serial and parallel computers. Validation of our software against the yeast genome indicates superior results in both quality and performance when compared to existing software. Additional validations are presented on rice BACs and chimpanzee genome.

Mobilized retrotransposon Tos17 of rice by alien DNA introgression transposes into genes and causes structural and methylation alterations of a flanking genomic region

Tos17 is a copia-like endogenous retrotransposon of rice, which can be activated by various stresses such as tissue culture and alien DNA introgression. To confirm element mobilization by introgression and to study possible structural and epigenetic effects of Tos17 insertion on its target sequences, we isolated all flanking regions of Tos17 in an introgressed rice line (Tong35) that contains minute amount of genomic DNA from wild rice (Zizania latifolia). It was found that there has been apparent but limited mobilization of Tos17 in this introgression line, as being reflected by increased but stable copy number of the element in progeny of the line. Three of the five activated copies of the element have transposed into genes. Based on sequence analysis and Southern blot hybridization with several double-enzyme digests, no structural change in Tos17 could be inferred in the introgression line. Cytosine methylation status at all seven CCGG sites within Tos17 was also identical between the introgression line and its rice parent (Matsumae)-all sites being heavily methylated. In contrast, changes in structure and cytosine methylation patterns were detected in one of the three low-copy genomic regions that flank newly transposed Tos17, and all changes are stably inherited through selfed generations.