Telomere-to-telomere Citrullus Super-pangenome Provides Direction for Watermelon Breeding

Overview

Journal Nat Genet

Specialty Genetics

Date 2024 Jul 8

PMID 38977857

Authors

Yilin Zhang

Mingxia Zhao

Jingsheng Tan

Minghan Huang

Xiao Chu

Yan Li

Xue Han

Taohong Fang

Yao Tian

Robert Jarret

Dongdong Lu

Yijun Chen

LiFang Xue

Xiaoni Li

Guochen Qin

Bosheng Li

Yudong Sun

Xing Wang Deng

Yun Deng

Xingping Zhang

Hang He

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

To decipher the genetic diversity within the cucurbit genus Citrullus, we generated telomere-to-telomere (T2T) assemblies of 27 distinct genotypes, encompassing all seven Citrullus species. This T2T super-pangenome has expanded the previously published reference genome, T2T-G42, by adding 399.2 Mb and 11,225 genes. Comparative analysis has unveiled gene variants and structural variations (SVs), shedding light on watermelon evolution and domestication processes that enhanced attributes such as bitterness and sugar content while compromising disease resistance. Multidisease-resistant loci from Citrullus amarus and Citrullus mucosospermus were successfully introduced into cultivated Citrullus lanatus. The SVs identified in C. lanatus have not only been inherited from cordophanus but also from C. mucosospermus, suggesting additional ancestors beyond cordophanus in the lineage of cultivated watermelon. Our investigation substantially improves the comprehension of watermelon genome diversity, furnishing comprehensive reference genomes for all Citrullus species. This advancement aids in the exploration and genetic enhancement of watermelon using its wild relatives.

Citing Articles

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Genome-wide survey of KT/HAK/KUP genes in the genus Citrullus and analysis of their involvement in K-deficiency and drought stress responses in between C. lanatus and C. amarus.

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