Complementing model species with model clades.

Model species continue to underpin groundbreaking plant science research. At the same time, the phylogenetic resolution of the land plant Tree of Life continues to improve. The intersection of these two research paths creates a unique opportunity to further extend the usefulness of model species across larger taxonomic groups. Here we promote the utility of the Arabidopsis thaliana model species, especially the ability to connect its genetic and functional resources, to species across the entire Brassicales order. We focus on the utility of using genomics and phylogenomics to bridge the evolution and diversification of several traits across the Brassicales to the resources in Arabidopsis, thereby extending scope from a model species by establishing a "model clade". These Brassicales-wide traits are discussed in the context of both the model species Arabidopsis thaliana and the family Brassicaceae. We promote the utility of such a "model clade" and make suggestions for building global networks to support future studies in the model order Brassicales.

Applying Machine Learning to Classify the Origins of Gene Duplications.

Nearly all lineages of land plants have experienced at least one whole-genome duplication (WGD) in their history. The legacy of these ancient WGDs is still observable in the diploidized genomes of extant plants. Genes originating from WGD-paleologs-can be maintained in diploidized genomes for millions of years. These paleologs have the potential to shape plant evolution through sub- and neofunctionalization, increased genetic diversity, and reciprocal gene loss among lineages. Current methods for classifying paleologs often rely on only a subset of potential genomic features, have varying levels of accuracy, and often require significant data and/or computational time. Here, we developed a supervised machine learning approach to classify paleologs from a target WGD in diploidized genomes across a broad range of different duplication histories. We collected empirical data on syntenic block sizes and other genomic features from 27 plant species each with a different history of paleopolyploidy. Features from these genomes were used to develop simulations of syntenic blocks and paleologs to train a gradient boosted decision tree. Using this approach, Frackify (Fractionation Classify), we were able to accurately identify and classify paleologs across a broad range of parameter space, including cases with multiple overlapping WGDs. We then compared Frackify with other paleolog inference approaches in six species with paleotetraploid and paleohexaploid ancestries. Frackify provides a way to combine multiple genomic features to quickly classify paleologs while providing a high degree of consistency with existing approaches.

Dynamic genome evolution in a model fern.

The large size and complexity of most fern genomes have hampered efforts to elucidate fundamental aspects of fern biology and land plant evolution through genome-enabled research. Here we present a chromosomal genome assembly and associated methylome, transcriptome and metabolome analyses for the model fern species Ceratopteris richardii. The assembly reveals a history of remarkably dynamic genome evolution including rapid changes in genome content and structure following the most recent whole-genome duplication approximately 60 million years ago. These changes include massive gene loss, rampant tandem duplications and multiple horizontal gene transfers from bacteria, contributing to the diversification of defence-related gene families. The insertion of transposable elements into introns has led to the large size of the Ceratopteris genome and to exceptionally long genes relative to other plants. Gene family analyses indicate that genes directing seed development were co-opted from those controlling the development of fern sporangia, providing insights into seed plant evolution. Our findings and annotated genome assembly extend the utility of Ceratopteris as a model for investigating and teaching plant biology.

Patterns and Processes of Diploidization in Land Plants.

Most land plants are now known to be ancient polyploids that have rediploidized. Diploidization involves many changes in genome organization that ultimately restore bivalent chromosome pairing and disomic inheritance, and resolve dosage and other issues caused by genome duplication. In this review, we discuss the nature of polyploidy and its impact on chromosome pairing behavior. We also provide an overview of two major and largely independent processes of diploidization: cytological diploidization and genic diploidization/fractionation. Finally, we compare variation in gene fractionation across land plants and highlight the differences in diploidization between plants and animals. Altogether, we demonstrate recent advancements in our understanding of variation in the patterns and processes of diploidization in land plants and provide a road map for future research to unlock the mysteries of diploidization and eukaryotic genome evolution.

Genes derived from ancient polyploidy have higher genetic diversity and are associated with domestication in Brassica rapa.

Many crops are polyploid or have a polyploid ancestry. Recent phylogenetic analyses have found that polyploidy often preceded the domestication of crop plants. One explanation for this observation is that increased genetic diversity following polyploidy may have been important during the strong artificial selection that occurs during domestication. In order to test the connection between domestication and polyploidy, we identified and examined candidate genes associated with the domestication of the diverse crop varieties of Brassica rapa. Like all 'diploid' flowering plants, B. rapa has a diploidized paleopolyploid genome and experienced many rounds of whole genome duplication (WGD). We analyzed transcriptome data of more than 100 cultivated B. rapa accessions. Using a combination of approaches, we identified > 3000 candidate genes associated with the domestication of four major B. rapa crop varieties. Consistent with our expectation, we found that the candidate genes were significantly enriched with genes derived from the Brassiceae mesohexaploidy. We also observed that paleologs were significantly more diverse than non-paleologs. Our analyses find evidence for that genetic diversity derived from ancient polyploidy played a key role in the domestication of B. rapa and provide support for its importance in the success of modern agriculture.