Biology subjects

Shirasawa, K.

Publications and source records attributed to Shirasawa, K..

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

bioRxiv2022

Haploid-resolved and chromosome-scale genome assembly in hexa-autoploid sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam)

Sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam) is the worlds seventh most important food crop by production quantity. Cultivated sweetpotato is a hexaploid (2n = 6x = 90), and its genome (B1B1B2B2B2B2) is quite complex due to polyploidy, self-incompatibility, and high heterozygosity. Here we established a haploid-resolved and chromosome-scale de novo assembly of autohexaploid sweetpotato genome sequences. Before constructing the genome, we created chromosome-scale genome sequences in I. trifida using a highly homozygous accession, Mx23Hm, with PacBio RSII and Hi-C reads. Haploid-resolved genome assembly was performed for a sweetpotato cultivar, Xushu18 by hybrid assembly with Illumina paired-end (PE) and mate-pair (MP) reads, 10X genomics reads, and PacBio RSII reads. Then, 90 chromosome-scale pseudomolecules were generated by aligning the scaffolds onto a sweetpotato linkage map. De novo assemblies were also performed for chloroplast and mitochondrial genomes in I. trifida and sweetpotato. In total, 34,386 and 175,633 genes were identified on the assembled nucleic genomes of I. trifida and sweetpotato, respectively. Functional gene annotation and RNA-Seq analysis revealed locations of starch, anthocyanin, and carotenoid pathway genes on the sweetpotato genome. This is the first report of chromosome-scale de novo assembly of the sweetpotato genome. The results are expected to contribute to genomic and genetic analyses of sweetpotato.

genomics↗

bioRxiv2022

Haplotype-resolved de novo genome assemblies of four coniferous tree species

Coniferous trees in gymnosperm are an important source of wood production. Because of their long lifecycle, the breeding programs of coniferous tree are time- and labor-consuming. Genomics could accelerate the selection of superior trees or clones in the breeding programs; however, the genomes of coniferous trees are generally giant in size and exhibit high heterozygosity. Therefore, the generation of long contiguous genome assemblies of coniferous species has been difficult. In this study, we optimized the DNA library preparation protocols and employed high-fidelity (HiFi) long-read sequencing technology to sequence and assemble the genomes of four coniferous tree species, Larix kaempferi, Chamaecyparis obtusa, Cryptomeria japonica, and Cunninghamia lanceolata. Genome assemblies of the four species totaled 13.5 Gb (L. kaempferi), 8.5 Gb (C. obtusa), 9.2 Gb (C. japonica), and 11.7 Gb (C. lanceolata), which covered 99.6% of the estimated genome sizes on average. The contig N50 value, which indicates assembly contiguity, ranged from 1.2 Mb in C. obtusa to 16.0 Mb in L. kaempferi, and the assembled sequences contained, on average, 89.2% of the single-copy orthologs conserved in embryophytes. Assembled sequences representing alternative haplotypes covered 70.3-95.1% of the genomes, suggesting that the four coniferous tree genomes exhibit high heterozygosity levels. The genome sequence information obtained in this study represents a milestone in tree genetics and genomics, and will facilitate gene discovery, allele mining, phylogenetics, and evolutionary studies in coniferous trees, and accelerate forest tree breeding programs.

genomics↗

bioRxiv2022

Chromosome-scale genome assembly of a Japanese chili pepper landrace, Capsicum annuum 'Takanotsume'

Here, we report the genome sequence of a popular Japanese chili pepper landrace, Capsicum annuum Takanotsume. We used long-read sequencing and optical mapping, together with the genetic mapping technique, to obtain the chromosome-scale genome assembly of Takanotsume. The assembly consists of 12 pseudomolecules, which corresponds to the basic chromosome number of C. annuum, and is 3,058.5 Mb in size, spanning 97.0% of the estimated genome size. A total of 34,324 high-confidence genes were predicted in the genome, and 83.4% of the genome assembly was occupied by repetitive sequences. Comparative genomics of linked-read sequencing-derived de novo genome assemblies of two Capsicum chinense lines and whole-genome resequencing-derived genome assemblies of Capsicum species revealed not only nucleotide sequence variations but also genome structure variations (i.e., chromosomal rearrangements) between Takanotsume and its relatives. Overall, the genome sequence data generated in this study will accelerate the pan-genomics and breeding of Capsicum, and facilitate the dissection of genetic mechanisms underlying the agronomically important traits of Takanotsume.

genomics↗

bioRxiv2022

Telomere-to-telomere genome assembly of matsutake (Tricholoma matsutake)

Here, we report the first telomere-to-telomere genome assembly of matsutake (Tricholoma matsutake), which consists of 13 chromosomes (spanning 160.7 Mb) and a 76 kb circular mitochondrial genome. The chromosome sequences were supported with telomeric repeats at the ends. GC-rich regions are located at the middle of the chromosomes and are enriched with long interspersed nuclear elements (LINEs). Repetitive sequences including long-terminal repeats (LTRs) and LINEs occupy 71.7% of the genome. A total of 28,322 potential protein-coding genes and 324 tRNA genes were predicted. Sequence and structure variant analysis revealed 2,322,349 single nucleotide polymorphisms and 102,831 insertions and deletions, 0.6% of which disrupted gene structure and function and were therefore classified as deleterious mutations. As many as 683 copies of the LTR retrotransposon MarY1 were detected in the matsutake genome, 91 of which were inserted in gene sequences. In addition, 187 sequence variations were found in the mitochondrial genome. The genomic data reported in this study would serve as a great reference for exploring the genetics and genomics of matsutake in the future, and the information gained would ultimately facilitate the conservation of this vulnerable genetic resource.

genomics↗

bioRxiv2022

Novel QTLs for cucumber resistance to two Colletotrichum orbiculare strains of different pathogenic races

Colletotrichum orbiculare is a hemibiotrophic fungal pathogen that causes anthracnose disease in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) and other cucurbit crops. The cucumber accession Ban Kyuri (G100) has a high level of resistance to anthracnose and is considered to be promising breeding material. Here, we report genetic mapping of loci from this cultivar that confer resistance to 104-T and CcM-1 of C. orbiculare that belong to pathogenic races 0 and 1, respectively. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis based on phenotypic data from 196 F2:3 families detected one major QTL, An5, and one minor QTL, An6.2, for resistance to race 0, and one major QTL, An2, and three minor QTLs (An1.1, An1.2 and An6.1) for resistance to race 1. We identified lysM domain receptor-like kinase 3 (CsaV3_5G036150) and wall-associated receptor kinase-like (CsaV3_6G048820) as candidate genes for An5 and An6.2, respectively. Multiple genes encoding pattern recognition receptors were located in the regions of the QTLs conferring resistance to race 1. Thus, we identified potential sources of genetic resistance to different pathogenic races of C. orbiculare in the Ban Kyuri cultivar of cucumber. Key messageQuantitative trait locus analysis identified independent novel loci in cucumber responsible for resistance to races 0 and 1 of the anthracnose fungal pathogen Colletotrichum orbiculare.

plant biology↗

bioRxiv2021

Chromosome-scale haplotype-phased genome assemblies of the male and female lines of wild asparagus (Asparagus kiusianus), a dioecious plant species

Asparagus kiusianus is a disease-resistant dioecious plant species and a wild relative of garden asparagus (A. officinalis). To enhance A. kiusianus genomic resources, advance plant science, and facilitate asparagus breeding, we determined the genome sequences of the male and female lines of A. kiusianus. Genome sequence reads obtained with a linked-read technology were assembled into four haplotype-phased contig sequences (~1.6 Gb each) for the male and female lines. The contig sequences were aligned onto the chromosome sequences of garden asparagus to construct pseudomolecule sequences. Approximately 55,000 potential protein-encoding genes were predicted in each genome assembly, and ~70% of the genome sequence was annotated as repetitive. Comparative analysis of the genomes of the two species revealed structural and sequence variants between the two species as well as between the male and female lines of each species. Genes with high sequence similarity with the male-specific sex determinant gene in A. officinalis, MSE1/AoMYB35/AspTDF1, were presented in the genomes of the male line but absent from the female genome assemblies. Overall, the genome sequence assemblies, gene sequences, and structural and sequence variants determined in this study will reveal the genetic mechanisms underlying sexual differentiation in plants, and will accelerate disease-resistance breeding in garden asparagus.

genomics↗

bioRxiv2021

Transcriptome Dynamics of Floral Organs Approaching Blooming in the Flowering Cherry (Cerasus x yedoensis) Cultivar 'Somei-Yoshino'

To gain insights into the genetic mechanisms underlying blooming and petal movement in flowering cherry (Cerasus x yedoensis), we performed time-course RNA-seq analysis of the floral buds and open-flowers of the most popular flowering cherry cultivar, Somei-Yoshino. Independent biological duplicate samples of floral buds and open-flowers were collected from Somei-Yoshino trees grown at three different locations in Japan. RNA-seq reads obtained from floral bud and open-flower samples collected in the current study (in 2019) and in a previous study (in 2017) were aligned against the genome sequence of Somei-Yoshino to quantify gene transcript levels. Clustering analysis of RNA-seq reads revealed dynamic changes in the transcriptome, with genes in seven modules predominantly expressed at specific time points, ranging from 5 weeks before flowering to 2 weeks after flowering. Based on the identified gene modules and Gene Ontology (GO) terms enriched at different floral stages, we speculate that the genetic mechanisms underlying petal movement and flower opening in cherry involve the processes of development, cell wall organization, reproduction, and metabolism, which are executed by genes encoding transcription factors, phytohormones, transporters, and polysaccharide metabolic enzymes. Furthermore, we propose a method for cherry bloom forecasting, based on gene expression levels at different time points before flowering as RNA markers.

plant biology↗

bioRxiv2021

Chromosome-scale genome assembly of Eustoma grandiflorum, the first complete genome sequence in family Gentianaceae

Eustoma grandiflorum (Raf.) Shinn., is an annual herbaceous plant native to the southern United States, Mexico, and the Greater Antilles. It has a large flower with a variety of colors and an important flower crop. In this study, we established a chromosome-scale de novo assembly of E. grandiflorum by integrating four genomic and genetic approaches: (1) Pacific Biosciences (PacBio) Sequel deep sequencing, (2) error correction of the assembly by Illumina short reads, (3) scaffolding by chromatin conformation capture sequencing (Hi-C), and (4) genetic linkage maps derived from an F2 mapping population. The 36 pseudomolecules and unplaced 64 scaffolds were created with total length of 1,324.8 Mb. Full-length transcript sequencing was obtained by PacBio Iso-Seq sequencing for gene prediction on the assembled genome, Egra_v1. A total of 36,619 genes were predicted on the genome as high confidence HC) genes. Of the 36,619, 25,936 were annotated functions by ZenAnnotation. Genetic diversity analysis was also performed for nine commercial E. grandiflorum varieties bred in Japan, and 254,205 variants were identified. This is the first report of the construction of reference genome sequences in E. grandiflorum as well as in the family Gentianaceae.

genomics↗

bioRxiv2021

Genome sequencing and analysis of two early-flowering cherry (Cerasus x kanzakura) varieties, 'Kawazu-zakura' and 'Atami-zakura'

To gain genetic insights into the early-flowering phenotype of ornamental cherry, also known as sakura, we determined the genome sequences of two early-flowering cherry (Cerasus x kanzakura) varieties, Kawazu-zakura and Atami-zakura. Since the two varieties are interspecific hybrids, likely derived from crosses between Cerasus campanulata (early-flowering species) and Cerasus speciosa, we employed the haplotype-resolved sequence assembly strategy. Genome sequence reads obtained from each variety by single molecule real-time sequencing (SMRT) were split into two subsets, based on the genome sequence information of the two probable ancestors, and assembled to obtain haplotype-phased genome sequences. The resultant genome assembly of Kawazu-zakura spanned 519.8 Mb with 1,544 contigs and an N50 value of 1,220.5 kb, while that of Atami-zakura totaled 509.6 Mb with 2,180 contigs and an N50 value of 709.1 kb. A total of 72,702 and 72,528 potential protein-coding genes were predicted in the genome assemblies of Kawazu-zakura and Atami-zakura, respectively. Gene clustering analysis identified 2,634 clusters uniquely presented in the C. campanulata haplotype sequences, which might contribute to its early-flowering phenotype. Genome sequences determined in this study provide fundamental information for elucidating the molecular and genetic mechanisms underlying the early-flowering phenotype of ornamental cherry tree varieties and their relatives.

genomics↗

bioRxiv2021

Chromosome-level genome assembly of Japanese chestnut (Castanea crenata Sieb. et Zucc.) reveals conserved chromosomal segments in woody rosids

Japanese chestnut (Castanea crenata Sieb. et Zucc.), unlike other Castanea species, is resistant to most diseases and wasps. However, genomic data of Japanese chestnut that could be used to determine its biotic stress resistance mechanisms have not been reported to date. In this study, we employed long-read sequencing and genetic mapping to generate genome sequences of Japanese chestnut at the chromosome level. Long reads (47.7 Gb; 71.6x genome coverage) were assembled into 781 contigs, with a total length of 721.2 Mb and a contig N50 length of 1.6 Mb. Genome sequences were anchored to the chestnut genetic map, comprising 14,973 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and covering 1,807.8 cM map distance, to establish a chromosome-level genome assembly (683.8 Mb), with 69,980 potential protein-encoding genes and 425.5 Mb repetitive sequences. Furthermore, comparative genome structure analysis revealed that Japanese chestnut shares conserved chromosomal segments with woody plants, but not with herbaceous plants, of rosids. Overall, the genome sequence data of Japanese chestnut generated in this study is expected to enhance not only its genetics and genomics but also the evolutionary genomics of woody rosids.

genomics↗

bioRxiv2021

A chromosome-level genome sequence of a model chrysanthemum: evolution and 1 reference for hexaploid cultivated chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemums are one of the most industrially important cut flowers worldwide. However, their segmental allopolyploidy and self-incompatibility have prevented the application of genetic analysis and modern breeding strategies. We thus developed a model strain, Gojo-0 (Chrysanthemum seticuspe), which is a diploid and self-compatible pure line. Here, we present the 3.05 Gb chromosome-level reference genome sequence, which covered 97% of the C. seticuspe genome. The genome contained more than 80% interspread repeats, of which retrotransposons accounted for 72%. We identified recent segmental duplication and retrotransposon expansion in C. seticuspe, contributing to a relatively large genome size. Furthermore, we identified aretrotransposon, SbdRT, which was enriched in gene-dense genome regions and had experienced a very recent transposition burst. We also demonstrated that the chromosome-level genome sequence facilitates positional cloning in C. seticuspe. The genome sequence obtained here can greatly contribute as a reference for chrysanthemum in front-line breeding including genome editing.

plant biology↗

bioRxiv2021

Whole-genome sequencing and analysis of two azaleas, Rhododendron ripense and Rhododendron kiyosumense

To enhance the genomics and genetics of azalea, the whole-genome sequences of two species of Rhododendron were determined and analyzed in this study: Rhododendron ripense, the cytoplasmic donor and ancestral species of large-flowered and evergreen azalea cultivars, respectively; and Rhododendron kiyosumense, a native of Chiba prefecture (Japan) seldomly bred and cultivated. A chromosome-level genome sequence assembly of R. ripense was constructed by single-molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing and genetic mapping, while the genome sequence of R. kiyosumense was assembled using the single-tube long fragment read (stLFR) sequencing technology. The R. ripense genome assembly contained 319 contigs (506.7 Mb; N50 length: 2.5 Mb) and was assigned to the genetic map to establish 13 pseudomolecule sequences. On the other hand, the genome of R. kiyosumense was assembled into 32,308 contigs (601.9 Mb; N50 length: 245.7 kb). A total of 34,606 genes were predicted in the R. ripense genome, while 35,785 flower and 48,041 leaf transcript isoforms were identified in R. kiyosumense through Iso-Seq analysis. Overall, the genome sequence information generated in this study enhances our understanding of genome evolution in the Ericales and reveals the phylogenetic relationship of closely-related species. This information will also facilitate the development of phenotypically attractive azalea cultivars.

genomics↗

bioRxiv2021

A chromosome-scale strawberry genome assembly of a Japanese variety, Reikou

Cultivated strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa) is an octoploid species (2n = 8x= 56) that is widely consumed around the world as both fresh and processed fruit. In this study, we report a chromosome-scale strawberry genome assembly of a Japanese variety, Reikou. The Illumina short reads derived from paired-end, mate-pair, and 10X Genomics libraries were assembled using Denovo MAGIC 3.0. The generated phased scaffolds consisted of 32,715 sequences with a total length of 1.4 Gb and an N50 length of 3.9 Mb. A total of 63 pseudomolecules including chr0 were created by aligning the scaffolds onto the Reikou S1 linkage maps with the IStraw90 Axiom SNP array and ddRAD-Seq. Meanwhile, genomes of diploid Fragaria species were resequenced and compared with the most similar chromosome-scale scaffolds to investigate the possible progenitor of each subgenome. Clustering analysis suggested that the most likely progenitors were F. vesca and F. iinumae. The phased pseudomolecules were assigned the scaffolds names with Av, Bi, and X, representing sequence similarity with F. vesca (Av), F. iinumae (Bi), and others (X), respectively. The result of a comparison with the Camerosa genome suggested the possibility of subgenome structure differences between the two varieties.

genomics↗

bioRxiv2021

Genome features of common vetch (Vicia sativa) in natural habitats

Wild plants are often tolerant to biotic and abiotic stresses in their natural environments, whereas domesticated plants such as crops frequently lack such resilience. This difference is thought to be due to the high levels of genome heterozygosity in wild plant populations and the low levels of heterozygosity in domesticated crop species. In this study, common vetch (Vicia sativa) was used as a model to examine this hypothesis. The common vetch genome (2n = 14) was estimated as 1.8 Gb in size. Genome sequencing produced a reference assembly that spanned 1.5 Gb, from which 31,146 genes were predicted. Using this sequence as a reference, 24,118 single nucleotide polymorphisms were discovered in 1,243 plants from 12 natural common vetch populations in Japan. Common vetch genomes exhibited high heterozygosity at the population level, with lower levels of heterozygosity observed at specific genome regions. Such patterns of heterozygosity are thought to be essential for adaptation to different environments. These findings suggest that high heterozygosity at the population level would be required for wild plants to survive under natural conditions while allowing important gene loci to be fixed to adapt the conditions. The resources generated in this study will provide insights into de novo domestication of wild plants and agricultural enhancement. HighlightSequence analysis of the common vetch (Vicia sativa) genome and SNP genotyping across natural populations revealed nucleotide diversity levels associated with native population environments.

genomics↗

bioRxiv2021

Organelle genome assembly uncovers the dynamic genome reorganization and cytoplasmic male sterility associated genes in tomato.

To identify cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS)-associated genes in tomato, we determined the genome sequences of mitochondria and chloroplasts in three CMS tomato lines derived from independent asymmetric cell fusions, their nuclear and cytoplasmic donors, and male fertile weedy cultivated tomato and wild relatives. The structures of the CMS mitochondrial genomes were highly divergent from those of the nuclear and cytoplasmic donors, and genes of the donors were mixed up in these genomes. On the other hand, the structures of CMS chloroplast genomes were moderately conserved across the donors, but CMS chloroplast genes were unexpectedly likely derived from the nuclear donors. Comparative analysis of the structures and contents of organelle genes and transcriptome analysis identified three genes that were uniquely present in the CMS lines, but not in the donor or fertile lines. RNA sequencing analysis indicated that these three genes transcriptionally expressed in anther, two of which were also expressed in pollen. They could be potential candidates for CMS-associated genes. This study suggests that organelle reorganization mechanisms after cell fusion events differ between mitochondria and chloroplasts, and provides insight into the development of new F1 hybrid breeding programs employing the CMS system in tomato.

plant biology↗

bioRxiv2021

Whole-genome sequence analysis of mutations in rice plants regenerated from zygotes, mature embryos, and immature embryos

Somaclonal variation was studied by whole-genome sequencing in rice plants (Oryza sativa L., Nipponbare) regenerated from the zygotes, mature embryos, and immature embryos of a single mother plant. The mother plant and its seed-propagated progeny were also sequenced. A total of 338 variants of the mother plant sequence were detected in the progeny, and mean values ranged from 9.0 of the seed-propagated plants to 37.4 of regenerants from mature embryos. The ratio of single nucleotide variants among the variants was 74.3%, and the natural mutation rate calculated using the variants in the seed-propagated plants was 1.2 x 10-8. The percentage and the mutation rate were consistent with the values reported previously. Plants regenerated from mature embryos had significantly more variants than different progeny types. Therefore, using zygotes and immature embryos can reduce somaclonal variation during the genetic manipulation of rice.

plant biology↗

bioRxiv2021

A Chromosome-scale draft genome sequence of horsegram (Macrotyloma uniflorum)

Horsegram [Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc.] is an underutilized warm season diploid legume (2n=20, 22), It is consumed as a food legume in India, and animal feed and fodder in Africa and Australia. Because of its ability to grow under water-deficient and marginal soil conditions, horsegram is a preferred choice in the era of the global climatic change. In recognition of its potential as a crop species, we generated and analyzed a draft genome sequence for HPK-4. The genome sequences of HPK-4 were generated by Illumina platform. Ten chromosome-scale pseudomolecules were created by aligning scaffold sequences onto a linkage map. The total length of the ten pseudomolecules were 259.2 Mb, covering 89% of the total length of the assembled sequences. A total of 36,105 genes were predicted on the assembled sequences, and 14,736 were considered to be horsegram specific genes by comparative analysis with Phaseolus. vulgaris, Vigna. angularis, Lotus. japonicus and Arabidopsis. thaliana. The results of macrosynteny analysis suggested that the genome structure of V. angularis is more similar to horsegram than that of P. vulgaris. Diversity analysis in the 91 accessions of horsegram with dd-RAD-Seq analysis indicated narrow genetic diversity among the horsegram accessions. This is the first attempt to generate a draft genome sequence in horsegram and will provide a reference for sequence-based analysis of the horsegram germplasm to elucidate the genetic basis of important traits.

genomics↗

bioRxiv2020

Chromosome-scale genome assembly of Japanese pear (Pyrus pyrifolia) variety 'Nijisseiki

AimThe Japanese pear (P. pyrifolia) variety Nijisseiki is valued for its superior flesh texture, which has led to its use as a breeding parent for most Japanese pear cultivars. However, in the absence of genomic resources for Japanese pear, the parents of the Nijisseiki cultivar remain unknown, as does the genetic basis of its favorable texture. The genomes of pear and related species are complex due to ancestral whole genome duplication and high heterozygosity, and long-sequencing technology was used to address this. Methods and ResultsDe novo assembly of long sequence reads covered 136x of the Japanese pear genome and generated 503.9 Mb contigs consisting of 114 sequences with an N50 value of 7.6{square}Mb. Contigs were assigned to Japanese pear genetic maps to establish 17 chromosome-scale sequences. In total, 44,876 protein-encoding genes were predicted, 84.3% of which were supported by predicted genes and transcriptome data from Japanese pear relatives. As expected, evidence of whole genome duplication was observed, consistent with related species. Conclusion and PerspectiveThis is the first genome sequence analysis reported for Japanese pear, and this resource will support breeding programs and provide new insights into the physiology and evolutionary history of Japanese pear.

genomics↗