Progress in the Genomics and CAM Evolution Mechanism of Agavoideae
Published:11 Jan.2024 Source:Hortic Res
The Research Team of Agave sisalana at the South Subtropical Crops Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences has published a study on the genome and CAM photosynthesis evolution mechanism of Agave sisalana in the Journal "Horticultural Research."
The research team assembled and analyzed the genome sequence of the main cultivated variety in China, "Agave hybrid NO.11648". Through multi-omics analysis, the team found that the Agave sisalana genome has undergone two whole-genome duplications, and the accumulation of LTR transposons has resulted in genome expansion. The PEPC gene did not undergo changes characteristic of C4/CAM features, while the PEPCK gene family expanded and showed high expression in leaves during the night, regulated by various transcription factors.
The results of the study indicate that gene expansion and transcriptional regulation collectively drive the evolution of CAM photosynthesis in Agave sisalana, laying the foundation for a deeper understanding of the CAM evolution mechanism. The high-quality Agave sisalana genome serves as a valuable resource for subsequent genetic improvement research.