Comparative-genomic analysis reveals dynamic NLR gene loss and gain across Apiaceae species

Introduction: Nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat (NLR) genes play a crucial role in green plants' responding to various pathogens. Genome-scale evolutionary studies of NLR genes are important for discovering and applying functional NLR genes. However, little is known about the evolution of NLR genes in the Apiaceae family including agricultural and medical plants.Methods: In this study, comparative genomic analysis was performed in four Apiaceae species to trace the dynamic evolutionary patterns of NLR genes during speciation in this family.Results: The results revealed different number of NLR genes in these four Apiaceae species, namely, Angelica sinensis (95), Coriandrum sativum (183), Apium graveolens (153) and Daucus carota (149). Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that NLR genes in these four species were derived from 183 ancestral NLR lineages and experienced different levels of gene-loss and gain events. The contraction pattern of the ancestral NLR lineages was discovered during the evolution of D. carota, whereas a different pattern of contraction after first expansion of NLR genes was observed for A. sinensis, C. sativum and A. graveolens.Discussion: Taken together, rapid and dynamic gene content variation has shaped evolutionary history of NLR genes in Apiaceae species.

Automated summary

This study investigates the evolutionary patterns of NLR genes in the Apiaceae family by performing comparative genomic analysis on four species. The results reveal different NLR gene numbers and patterns of gene loss and gain in these species. The ancestral NLR genes in Daucus carota show a contraction pattern, while A. sinensis, C. sativum, and A. graveolens display a different contraction pattern after an initial expansion of NLR genes.