Unraveling the complexity of the oilseed rape genome: from sequencing to gene discovery for trait improvement
TL;DR
This review synthesizes the transformative evolution of rapeseed genomics, traversing from initial fragmented references to the modern era of gap-free Telomere-to-Telomere (T2T) assemblies and graph-based pan-genomes, and underscores the pivotal shift from descriptive genomics to the precision engineering of climate-resilient, high-yielding polyploid crops.
Abstract
Oilseed rape (Brassica napus) serves as a cornerstone of global vegetable oil production, yet its genetic improvement has historically been impeded by a complex allopolyploid genome. This review synthesizes the transformative evolution of rapeseed genomics, traversing from initial fragmented references to the modern era of gap-free Telomere-to-Telomere (T2T) assemblies and graph-based pan-genomes. We highlight how these advanced resources resolve previously inaccessible repetitive regions and centromeres, revealing how structural variations (SVs) and homoeologous exchanges (HEs) drive key adaptive traits and morphotype diversification. Furthermore, we examine the integration of large-scale resequencing with sophisticated multi-omics pipelines to bridge the gap between statistical associations and biological causality. Through case studies, such as the characterization of BnRRF for seed weight and BnA09MYB47a for seed coloration, we illustrate the power of combining transcriptomics with Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats-associated Protein 9 (CRISPR-Cas9) for functional validation. Finally, we explore the frontier of “Genomic Design,” where Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms like Target-Oriented Prioritization (TOP), combined with Speed Breeding 2.0 protocols, promise to accelerate the development of next-generation cultivars. This synthesis underscores the pivotal shift from descriptive genomics to the precision engineering of climate-resilient, high-yielding polyploid crops.