The Torreya grandis genome illuminates the origin and evolution of gymnosperm-specific sciadonic acid biosynthesis

Heqiang Lou, Lili Song, Xiaolong Li, Hailing Zi, Weijie Chen, Yadi Gao, Shan Zheng, Zhangjun Fei (), Xuepeng Sun () and Jiasheng Wu ()
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Heqiang Lou: Zhejiang A&F University
Lili Song: Zhejiang A&F University
Xiaolong Li: Zhejiang A&F University
Hailing Zi: Novogene Bioinformatics Institute
Weijie Chen: Zhejiang A&F University
Yadi Gao: Zhejiang A&F University
Shan Zheng: Zhejiang A&F University
Zhangjun Fei: Cornell University
Xuepeng Sun: Zhejiang A&F University
Jiasheng Wu: Zhejiang A&F University

Nature Communications, 2023, vol. 14, issue 1, 1-15

Abstract: Abstract Torreya plants produce dry fruits with assorted functions. Here, we report the 19-Gb chromosome-level genome assembly of T. grandis. The genome is shaped by ancient whole-genome duplications and recurrent LTR retrotransposon bursts. Comparative genomic analyses reveal key genes involved in reproductive organ development, cell wall biosynthesis and seed storage. Two genes encoding a C18 Δ9-elongase and a C20 Δ5-desaturase are identified to be responsible for sciadonic acid biosynthesis and both are present in diverse plant lineages except angiosperms. We demonstrate that the histidine-rich boxes of the Δ5-desaturase are crucial for its catalytic activity. Methylome analysis reveals that methylation valleys of the T. grandis seed genome harbor genes associated with important seed activities, including cell wall and lipid biosynthesis. Moreover, seed development is accompanied by DNA methylation changes that possibly fuel energy production. This study provides important genomic resources and elucidates the evolutionary mechanism of sciadonic acid biosynthesis in land plants.

Date: 2023
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37038-2

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