Whole-genome Sequencing Analysis of Volvocine Green Algae Reveals the Molecular Genetic Basis for the Diversity and Evolution of Sex

Overview

Journal Proc Jpn Acad Ser B Phys Biol Sci

Specialties Biology
Science

Date 2024 Oct 14

PMID 39401900

Authors

Hisayoshi Nozaki

Kayoko Yamamoto

Kohei Takahashi

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

This review describes the development of evolutionary studies of sex based on the volvocine lineage of green algae, which was facilitated by whole-genome analyses of both model and non-model species. Volvocine algae, which include Chlamydomonas and Volvox species, have long been considered a model group for experimental studies investigating the evolution of sex. Thus, whole-genomic information on the sex-determining regions of volvocine algal sex chromosomes has been sought to elucidate the molecular genetic basis of sex evolution. By 2010, whole genomes were published for two model species in this group, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and Volvox carteri. Recent improvements in sequencing technology, particularly next-generation sequencing, allowed our studies to obtain complete genomes for non-model, but evolutionary important, volvocine algal species. These genomes have provided critical details about sex-determining regions that will contribute to our understanding of the diversity and evolution of sex.

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