Chromosome-Scale Genome of the Fern <i>Cibotium barometz</i> Unveils a Genetic Resource of Medicinal Value

Ferns represent the second-largest group of vascular plants, yet their genomic resources lag far behind. Here, we present a chromosome-scale genome assembly of <i>Cibotium barometz</i> (L.) J. Sm., a medicinally important fern species. The 3.49 Gb genome, assembled into 66 chromosomes wi...

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Main Authors: Guole Qin, Denglang Pan, Ying Long, Huiying Lan, Delong Guan, Jing Song
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-11-01
Series:Horticulturae
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2311-7524/10/11/1191
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author Guole Qin
Denglang Pan
Ying Long
Huiying Lan
Delong Guan
Jing Song
author_facet Guole Qin
Denglang Pan
Ying Long
Huiying Lan
Delong Guan
Jing Song
author_sort Guole Qin
collection DOAJ
description Ferns represent the second-largest group of vascular plants, yet their genomic resources lag far behind. Here, we present a chromosome-scale genome assembly of <i>Cibotium barometz</i> (L.) J. Sm., a medicinally important fern species. The 3.49 Gb genome, assembled into 66 chromosomes with 99.41% sequence anchorage, revealed an exceptionally high proportion (83.93%) of repetitive elements, dominated by recently expanded LTR retrotransposons. We identified 30,616 protein-coding genes, providing insights into fern-specific gene families. Genomic analyses uncover the evolutionary dynamics of 513 key biosynthetic genes, particularly those involved in terpenoid and flavonoid production. Expression profiling across tissues revealed tissue-specific regulation of these pathways, with notable upregulation of chalcone synthase genes in roots. Our structural analysis of 1-deoxy-<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">d</span>-xylulose-5-phosphate synthase, a key enzyme in terpenoid biosynthesis, demonstrated high conservation across land plants while highlighting fern-specific adaptations. The identification of multiple isoforms for key enzymes points to potential gene-duplication events or the evolution of fern-specific variants. This genome provides a foundation for understanding fern biology, evolution, and the molecular basis of their medicinal properties. It also offers valuable resources for conservation efforts and pharmacological research, paving the way for sustainable utilization of this valuable medicinal plant and advancing our understanding of plant diversity and natural product biosynthesis.
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spelling doaj-art-1e795a9f8ed54369b75d3309c338b2ad2024-11-26T18:06:05ZengMDPI AGHorticulturae2311-75242024-11-011011119110.3390/horticulturae10111191Chromosome-Scale Genome of the Fern <i>Cibotium barometz</i> Unveils a Genetic Resource of Medicinal ValueGuole Qin0Denglang Pan1Ying Long2Huiying Lan3Delong Guan4Jing Song5Guangxi Key Laboratory of Sericulture Ecology and Applied Intelligent Technology, Hechi University, Hechi 546300, ChinaGuangxi Key Laboratory of Sericulture Ecology and Applied Intelligent Technology, Hechi University, Hechi 546300, ChinaGuangxi Key Laboratory of Sericulture Ecology and Applied Intelligent Technology, Hechi University, Hechi 546300, ChinaGuangxi Key Laboratory of Sericulture Ecology and Applied Intelligent Technology, Hechi University, Hechi 546300, ChinaGuangxi Key Laboratory of Sericulture Ecology and Applied Intelligent Technology, Hechi University, Hechi 546300, ChinaGuangxi Key Laboratory of Sericulture Ecology and Applied Intelligent Technology, Hechi University, Hechi 546300, ChinaFerns represent the second-largest group of vascular plants, yet their genomic resources lag far behind. Here, we present a chromosome-scale genome assembly of <i>Cibotium barometz</i> (L.) J. Sm., a medicinally important fern species. The 3.49 Gb genome, assembled into 66 chromosomes with 99.41% sequence anchorage, revealed an exceptionally high proportion (83.93%) of repetitive elements, dominated by recently expanded LTR retrotransposons. We identified 30,616 protein-coding genes, providing insights into fern-specific gene families. Genomic analyses uncover the evolutionary dynamics of 513 key biosynthetic genes, particularly those involved in terpenoid and flavonoid production. Expression profiling across tissues revealed tissue-specific regulation of these pathways, with notable upregulation of chalcone synthase genes in roots. Our structural analysis of 1-deoxy-<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">d</span>-xylulose-5-phosphate synthase, a key enzyme in terpenoid biosynthesis, demonstrated high conservation across land plants while highlighting fern-specific adaptations. The identification of multiple isoforms for key enzymes points to potential gene-duplication events or the evolution of fern-specific variants. This genome provides a foundation for understanding fern biology, evolution, and the molecular basis of their medicinal properties. It also offers valuable resources for conservation efforts and pharmacological research, paving the way for sustainable utilization of this valuable medicinal plant and advancing our understanding of plant diversity and natural product biosynthesis.https://www.mdpi.com/2311-7524/10/11/1191chromosome-level genome assemblyfern genomics<i>Cibotium barometz</i>medicinal plant genomicsbioactive compound biosynthesis
spellingShingle Guole Qin
Denglang Pan
Ying Long
Huiying Lan
Delong Guan
Jing Song
Chromosome-Scale Genome of the Fern <i>Cibotium barometz</i> Unveils a Genetic Resource of Medicinal Value
Horticulturae
chromosome-level genome assembly
fern genomics
<i>Cibotium barometz</i>
medicinal plant genomics
bioactive compound biosynthesis
title Chromosome-Scale Genome of the Fern <i>Cibotium barometz</i> Unveils a Genetic Resource of Medicinal Value
title_full Chromosome-Scale Genome of the Fern <i>Cibotium barometz</i> Unveils a Genetic Resource of Medicinal Value
title_fullStr Chromosome-Scale Genome of the Fern <i>Cibotium barometz</i> Unveils a Genetic Resource of Medicinal Value
title_full_unstemmed Chromosome-Scale Genome of the Fern <i>Cibotium barometz</i> Unveils a Genetic Resource of Medicinal Value
title_short Chromosome-Scale Genome of the Fern <i>Cibotium barometz</i> Unveils a Genetic Resource of Medicinal Value
title_sort chromosome scale genome of the fern i cibotium barometz i unveils a genetic resource of medicinal value
topic chromosome-level genome assembly
fern genomics
<i>Cibotium barometz</i>
medicinal plant genomics
bioactive compound biosynthesis
url https://www.mdpi.com/2311-7524/10/11/1191
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