A genome sequence resource for the genus Passiflora, the genome of the wild diploid species Passiflora organensis

COSTA, Z. P.; VARANI A. M; CAUZ-SANTOS L. A.; SADER M. A.; GIOPATTO, H.; ZIRPOLI, B.; CAILLOT, C.; CAUET, S.; MARANDE, W.; SOUZA CARDOSO, J.; PINHEIRO, D.; KITAJIMA, J. P.; DORNELAS, M.; PEDROSA-HARAND A.; BERGÈS H.; MONTEIRO-VITORELLO, C.; CARNEIRO VIEIRA M. L.

The Plant Genome

Wiley

Año: 2021

The genus Passiflora comprises a large group of plants popularly known as passion fruits, much appreciated for their exotic flowers and edible fruits. Species (~500) are morphologically variable (e.g., growth habit, size and color of flowers) and adapted to distinct tropical ecosystems. In this study, we generated the genome of the wild, diploid species P. organensis by adopting a hybrid assembly approach. P. organensis has a small genome of 259 Mbp and a heterozygosity rate of 0.81%, consistent with its reproductive system. Most of the genome sequences could be integrated into its chromosomes using cytogenomic markers (satellite DNAs) as references. The repeated sequences accounted for 58.55% of the total DNA analyzed, and the Tekay lineage was the prevalent retrotransposon. In total 25,327 coding genes were predicted. P. organensis retains 5,609 singletons and 15,671 gene families. We focused on genes potentially involved in the self-incompatibility determining locus, and the MADS-box gene family, allowing us to infer expansions and contractions within specific sub-families. Finally, we recovered both the organellar DNAs. Structural rearrangements and the presence of two mitoviruses, besides relics of other mobile elements, were found in the cp- and mt-DNA molecules, respectively. In conclusion, we presented the first draft genome assembly of a Passiflora wild species. Our findings will be a valuable sequence resource for genomic and evolutionary studies on the genus, and will also assist in breeding cropped passion fruit species.