Comparative genomics can provide new insights into the evolutionary mechanisms and gene function in CAM plants. (7th September 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yang, Xiaohan; Liu, Degao; Tschaplinski, Timothy J; Tuskan, Gerald A
• Editors: Williams, David
• Is Part Of: Journal of experimental botany. Volume 70:Number 22(2019)
• Page Start: 6539
• Page End: 6547
• Publication Date: 2019-09-07
• Subjects: Comparative genomics -- crassulacean acid metabolism -- drought stress -- evolution -- gene function -- genome editing -- photosynthesis; Botany -- Periodicals; Botany, Experimental -- Periodicals; Plant physiology -- Periodicals; 580
• DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erz408
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-0957

Abstract

Abstract: Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) photosynthesis is an important biological innovation enabling plant adaptation to hot and dry environments. CAM plants feature high water-use efficiency, with potential for sustainable crop production under water-limited conditions. A deep understanding of CAM-related gene function and molecular evolution of CAM plants is critical for exploiting the potential of engineering CAM into C3 crops to enhance crop production on semi-arid or marginal agricultural lands. With the newly emerging genomics resources for multiple CAM species, progress has been made in comparative genomics studies on the molecular basis and subsequently on the evolution of CAM. Here, recent advances in CAM comparative genomics research in constitutive and facultative CAM plants are reviewed, with a focus on the analyses of DNA/protein sequences and gene expression to provide new insights into the path and driving force of CAM evolution and to identify candidate genes involved in CAM-related biological processes. Potential applications of new computational and experimental technologies (e.g. CRISPR/Cas-mediated genome-editing technology) to the comparative and evolutionary genomics research on CAM plants are offered. Abstract : This review updates the understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying CAM evolution from C3 photosynthesis and explores the potential of comparative genomics for identifying candidate genes related to CAM.