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A chromosome-level genome of Astilbe chinensis unveils the evolution of a terpene biosynthetic gene cluster

Author

Listed:
  • Fangfang Chen

    (Wuhan University
    Wuhan University)

  • Yan Yao

    (Wuhan University
    Wuhan University)

  • Hangzhi Zhu

    (Wuhan University
    Wuhan University)

  • Jie Hu

    (Wuhan University
    Wuhan University)

  • Aohan Geng

    (Wuhan University
    Wuhan University)

  • Zhenni Xu

    (Wuhan University)

  • Xueting Fang

    (Wuhan University)

  • Weijia Cheng

    (Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University)

  • Yao Zhi

    (Wuhan Hesheng Technology Co., Ltd.)

  • Yonghong Zhang

    (Hubei University of Medicine)

  • Zixin Deng

    (Wuhan University
    Shanghai Jiao Tong University)

  • Tiangang Liu

    (Shanghai Jiao Tong University)

  • Li Lu

    (Wuhan University
    Wuhan University)

Abstract

Astilbe chinensis, a perennial ornamental plant in the Saxifragaceae family, is recognized for its medicinal properties due to its diverse secondary metabolites. Here, we generate a chromosome-level genome assembly of A. chinensis. Our analysis provides compelling evidence that A. chinensis experienced a whole-genome triplication event, which preceded the diversification of the Saxifragaceae family. Furthermore, we identify a biosynthetic gene cluster that includes nine terpene synthase (TPS) genes. Among these, the gene AcTPS2 encodes a eudesma-5,7-diene synthase, and the product is confirmed using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. A synteny analysis of this gene cluster across various representative plant species reveals variations in the number, sequence, and function of TPS genes, indicating that neo-functionalization of these TPS genes likely occurred after speciation. Collectively, the genome sequence of A. chinensis lays the foundation for genetic and evolutionary studies of the Saxifragaceae family and provides insights into terpene synthases discovery.

Suggested Citation

  • Fangfang Chen & Yan Yao & Hangzhi Zhu & Jie Hu & Aohan Geng & Zhenni Xu & Xueting Fang & Weijia Cheng & Yao Zhi & Yonghong Zhang & Zixin Deng & Tiangang Liu & Li Lu, 2025. "A chromosome-level genome of Astilbe chinensis unveils the evolution of a terpene biosynthetic gene cluster," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-11, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-64842-9
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-64842-9
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