Phylogeny and genetic variations of the three genome compartments in haptophytes shed light on the rapid evolution of coccolithophores

Haptophyte algae, including coccolithophores, play key roles in global carbon cycling and ecosystem. They exhibit exceptional morphological and functional diversity. However, their phylogeny is mostly based on short markers and genome researches are always limited to few species, hindering a better understanding about their evolution and diversification. In this study, by assembling 69 new plastid genomes, 65 new mitochondrial genomes, and 55 nuclear drafts, we systematically analyzed their genome variations and built the most comprehensive phylogenies in haptophytes and Noelaerhabdaceae, with the latter is the family of the model coccolithophore Emiliania huxleyi. The haptophyte genomes vary significantly in size, gene content, and structure. We detected phylogenetic incongruence of Prymnesiales between genome compartments. In Noelaerhabdaceae, by including Reticulofenestra sessilis and a proper outgroup, we found R. sessilis was not the basal taxon of this family. Noelaerhabdaceae strains have very similar genomic features and conserved sequences, but different gene content and dynamic structure. We speculate that was caused by DNA double-strand break repairs. Our results provide valuable genetic resources and new insights into the evolution of haptophytes, especially coccolithophores.

Automated summary

Haptophyte algae, including coccolithophores, play important roles in global carbon cycling and ecosystems. This study analyzed the genome variations of haptophytes and built comprehensive phylogenies, providing valuable genetic resources and insights into their evolution, especially for coccolithophores.