The genus Rhododendron is a well-known group of ornamental plants, which includes many rare and endangered species. The work of protecting and saving these rare and endangered plants is increasingly gaining attention. Whole-genome sequencing offers possibilities for a deeper understanding of key issues in conservation biology and for conducting precise conservation efforts. The Rhododendron yuefengense, as a critically endangered endemic species with high ornamental value, is a priority for conservation. In this study, we utilized PacBio HiFi, ONT ultra-long, and Hi-C data to achieve nearly a T2T genome assembly of the R. yuefengense, making it the first species of the genus Rhododendron to be fully assembled. The genome size is 637.95 Mb, with an N50 of 50.16 Mb and only four gaps. All 637.95 Mb were anchored to 13 pseudochromosomes, with a BUSCO completeness of 98.27%. Repetitive sequences account for 53.67% of the assembly, 37.79% of which are LTR retrotransposons. We predicted 49,250 protein-coding genes and functionally annotated 42,646 of them. Comparative genomic analyses were also performed, providing a comprehensive reference for future studies.
Wen Liu, Xinyu He, Jihua Wang et al.· Scientific Data· 0 citations
In Asteraceae species, the capitulum is a compact inflorescence, featuring a characteristic reproductive structure. Despite the identification of a few key regulatory factors, the transcriptome-level information on the developing capitulum remains limited. Here, we applied single-cell and spatial transcriptome sequencing to investigate the developing Gerbera hybrida’s capitulum during floret differentiation. We obtained a transcriptomics atlas encompassing different stages of the Gerbera capitulum and analyzed the cellular and spatial dynamics of gene expression. Using marker gene expression and GO enrichment of cluster-specific DEGs, we annotated putative cell types and described changes in gene expression across sampled stages, potentially associated with ongoing developmental processes. We detected activity of previously undescribed MADS-box genes and defined their spatial expression patterns. Notably, the MADS-box gene GAGL12 was found to be enriched in the putative capitulum phloem cells. The GAGL12 protein was shown in yeast two-hybrid assays to interact with several other MADS-domain proteins with hypothesized functions in vasculature development, and further detailed in silico analyses supported a candidate role in the development of capitulum vasculature. Altogether, we provide integrative and dynamic transcriptomic insight into capitulum and floret development and lay a basis for future functional studies of the control and development of this intriguing reproductive structure.
Yuan Gao, Fan Li, Chunlian Jin et al.· bioRxiv· 0 citations
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