Mikania micrantha genome provides insights into the molecular mechanism of rapid growth

Nat Commun. 2020 Jan 17;11(1):340. doi: 10.1038/s41467-019-13926-4.

Abstract

Mikania micrantha is one of the top 100 worst invasive species that can cause serious damage to natural ecosystems and substantial economic losses. Here, we present its 1.79 Gb chromosome-scale reference genome. Half of the genome is composed of long terminal repeat retrotransposons, 80% of which have been derived from a significant expansion in the past one million years. We identify a whole genome duplication event and recent segmental duplications, which may be responsible for its rapid environmental adaptation. Additionally, we show that M. micrantha achieves higher photosynthetic capacity by CO2 absorption at night to supplement the carbon fixation during the day, as well as enhanced stem photosynthesis efficiency. Furthermore, the metabolites of M. micrantha can increase the availability of nitrogen by enriching the microbes that participate in nitrogen cycling pathways. These findings collectively provide insights into the rapid growth and invasive adaptation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biosynthetic Pathways / genetics
  • Biosynthetic Pathways / physiology
  • Carbon Cycle
  • Carbon Dioxide / metabolism
  • Chromosomes, Plant
  • Ecology
  • Ecosystem
  • Evolution, Molecular
  • Genome, Plant*
  • Genomics
  • Introduced Species
  • Mikania / genetics*
  • Mikania / growth & development*
  • Mikania / physiology*
  • Nitrogen / metabolism
  • Nitrogen Cycle
  • Photosynthesis / physiology
  • Plant Leaves / growth & development
  • Plant Leaves / metabolism
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA
  • Transcriptome

Substances

  • Carbon Dioxide
  • Nitrogen