Saccharina genomes provide novel insight into kelp biology

• DOI: 10.1038/ncomms7986
• Publication Date: 2015-04-24T12:05:59Z
• Authors: Naihao Ye; Xiaowen Zhang; Miao Miao; Xiao Fan; Yi Zheng; Dong Xu; Jinfeng Wang; Lin Zhou; Dongsheng Wang; Yuan Gao; Yitao Wang; Wenyu Shi; Peifeng Ji; Demao Li; Zheng Guan; Changwei Shao; Zhimeng Zhuang; Zhengquan Gao; Ji Qi; Fangqing Zhao
• Keywords: 0301 basic medicine; Genome; Molecular Sequence Data; Adaptation, Biological; Molecular Sequence Annotation; Genomics; Biological Evolution; Iodide Peroxidase; Article; 03 medical and health sciences; Kelp; Multigene Family; Carbohydrate Metabolism; 14. Life underwater; Iodine

AbstractSeaweeds are essential for marine ecosystems and have immense economic value. Here we present a comprehensive analysis of the draft genome ofSaccharina japonica, one of the most economically important seaweeds. The 537-Mb assembled genomic sequence covered 98.5% of the estimated genome, and 18,733 protein-coding genes are predicted and annotated. Gene families related to cell wall synthesis, halogen concentration, development and defence systems were expanded. Functional diversification of the mannuronan C-5-epimerase and haloperoxidase gene families provides insight into the evolutionary adaptation of polysaccharide biosynthesis and iodine antioxidation. Additional sequencing of seven cultivars and nine wild individuals reveal that the genetic diversity within wild populations is greater than among cultivars. All of the cultivars are descendants of a wildS. japonicaaccession showing limited admixture withS. longissima. This study represents an important advance toward improving yields and economic traits inSaccharinaand provides an invaluable resource for plant genome studies.