A chromosome-level genome assembly of the Chinese cork oak (Quercus variabilis)

• DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.1001583
• Publication Date: 2022-09-23T10:51:27Z
• Authors: Biao Han; Longxin Wang; Yang Xian; Xiao-Man Xie; Wen-Qing Li; Ye Zhao; Ren-Gang Zhang; Xiaochun Qin; De-Zhu Li; Kai-Hua Jia
• Keywords: Quercus variabilis; Sequence assembly; Comparative Genomics; Gene density; Genome size

Quercus variabilis (Fagaceae) is an ecologically and economically important deciduous broadleaved tree species native to widespread in East Asia. It a valuable woody indicator of local forest health, occupies dominant position ecosystems However, genomic resources from Q. are still lacking. Here, we present high-quality genome generated by PacBio HiFi Hi-C sequencing. The assembled size 787 Mb, with contig N50 26.04 Mb scaffold 64.86 comprising 12 pseudo-chromosomes. repetitive sequences constitute 67.6% the genome, which majority long terminal repeats, accounting for 46.62% genome. We used ab initio , RNA sequence-based homology-based predictions identify protein-coding genes. A total 32,466 genes were identified, 95.11% could be functionally annotated. Evolutionary analysis showed that was more closely related suber than lobata or robur. found no evidence species-specific whole duplications after had diverged. This study provides first assembly gene annotation data variabilis. These will inform design further breeding strategies, editing comparative genomics oak species.