The Welwitschia genome reveals a unique biology underpinning extreme longevity in deserts

Tao Wan, Zhiming Liu, Ilia J. Leitch, Haiping Xin, Gillian Maggs-Kölling, Yanbing Gong, Zhen Li, Eugene Marais, Yiying Liao, Can Dai, Fan Liu, Qijia Wu, Chi Song, Yadong Zhou, Weichang Huang, Kai Jiang, Qi Wang, Yong Yang, Zhixiang Zhong, Ming Yang, Xue Yan, Guangwan Hu, Chen Hou, Yingjuan Su, Shixiu Feng, Ji Yang, Jijun Yan, Jinfang Chu, Fan Chen, Jinhua Ran, Xiaoquan Wang (), Yves Van de Peer (), Andrew R. Leitch () and Qingfeng Wang ()
Additional contact information
Tao Wan: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Zhiming Liu: FairyLake Botanical Garden, Shenzhen & Chinese Academy of Sciences
Ilia J. Leitch: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Haiping Xin: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Gillian Maggs-Kölling: Gobabeb Research and Training Centre
Yanbing Gong: Wuhan University
Zhen Li: Ghent University
Eugene Marais: Gobabeb Research and Training Centre
Yiying Liao: FairyLake Botanical Garden, Shenzhen & Chinese Academy of Sciences
Can Dai: Hubei University
Fan Liu: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Qijia Wu: Seqhealth Technology
Chi Song: China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences
Yadong Zhou: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Weichang Huang: Shanghai Chenshan Botanical Garden
Kai Jiang: Shanghai Chenshan Botanical Garden
Qi Wang: Shanghai Chenshan Botanical Garden
Yong Yang: Nanjing Forestry University
Zhixiang Zhong: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Ming Yang: FairyLake Botanical Garden, Shenzhen & Chinese Academy of Sciences
Xue Yan: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Guangwan Hu: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Chen Hou: Protection and Utilization, Guangdong Academy of Forestry
Yingjuan Su: Sun Yat-Sen University
Shixiu Feng: FairyLake Botanical Garden, Shenzhen & Chinese Academy of Sciences
Ji Yang: Fudan University
Jijun Yan: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Jinfang Chu: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Fan Chen: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Jinhua Ran: Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Xiaoquan Wang: Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Yves Van de Peer: Ghent University
Andrew R. Leitch: Queen Mary University of London
Qingfeng Wang: Chinese Academy of Sciences

Nature Communications, 2021, vol. 12, issue 1, 1-15

Abstract: Abstract The gymnosperm Welwitschia mirabilis belongs to the ancient, enigmatic gnetophyte lineage. It is a unique desert plant with extreme longevity and two ever-elongating leaves. We present a chromosome-level assembly of its genome (6.8 Gb/1 C) together with methylome and transcriptome data to explore its astonishing biology. We also present a refined, high-quality assembly of Gnetum montanum to enhance our understanding of gnetophyte genome evolution. The Welwitschia genome has been shaped by a lineage-specific ancient, whole genome duplication (~86 million years ago) and more recently (1-2 million years) by bursts of retrotransposon activity. High levels of cytosine methylation (particularly at CHH motifs) are associated with retrotransposons, whilst long-term deamination has resulted in an exceptionally GC-poor genome. Changes in copy number and/or expression of gene families and transcription factors (e.g. R2R3MYB, SAUR) controlling cell growth, differentiation and metabolism underpin the plant’s longevity and tolerance to temperature, nutrient and water stress.

Date: 2021
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24528-4

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