The Apostasia genome and the evolution of orchids

• DOI: 10.1038/nature23897
• Publication Date: 2017-09-12T16:04:23Z
• Authors: Guo-Qiang Zhang; Ke-Wei Liu; Zhen Li; Rolf Lohaus; Yu-Yun Hsiao; Shan-Ce Niu; Jie-Yu Wang; Yao-Cheng Lin; Qing Xu; Li-Jun Chen; Kouki Yoshida; Sumire Fujiwara; Zhi-Wen Wang; Yong-Qiang Zhang; Nobutaka Mitsuda; Meina Wang; Guo-Hui Liu; Lorenzo Pecoraro; Hui-Xia Huang; Xin-Ju Xiao; Min Lin; Xin-Yi Wu; Wan-Lin Wu; You-Yi Chen; Song-Bin Chang; Shingo Sakamoto; Masaru Ohme-Takagi; Masafumi Yagi; Si-Jin Zeng; Ching-Yu Shen; Chuan-Ming Yeh; Yi-Bo Luo; Wen-Chieh Tsai; Yves Van de Peer; Zhong-Jian Liu
• Keywords: Orchidaceae; Lineage (genetic); Flowering plant

Constituting approximately 10% of flowering plant species, orchids (Orchidaceae) display unique flower morphologies, possess an extraordinary diversity in lifestyle, and have successfully colonized almost every habitat on Earth. Here we report the draft genome sequence Apostasia shenzhenica, a representative one two genera that form sister lineage to rest Orchidaceae, providing reference for inferring content structure most recent common ancestor all extant improving our understanding their origins evolution. In addition, present transcriptome data representatives Vanilloideae, Cypripedioideae Orchidoideae, novel third-generation species Epidendroideae, covering five orchid subfamilies. A. shenzhenica shows clear evidence whole-genome duplication, which is shared by occurred shortly before divergence. Comparisons between other angiosperms also permitted reconstruction ancestral gene toolkit. We identify new families, family expansions contractions, changes within MADS-box classes, control diverse suite developmental processes, during This study sheds light genetic mechanisms underpinning key innovations, including development labellum gynostemium, pollinia, seeds without endosperm, as well evolution epiphytism; reveals relationships Orchidaceae subfamilies; helps clarify evolutionary history angiosperms.