The fusion of two or more genomes within a nucleus leads to polyploidy, resulting in each cell containing more than two pairs of homologous chromosomes. Polyploids are found in most angiosperms and are important for crops on which humans depend. Homologous polyploids are the result of whole genome duplication, while heterologous polyploids are characterized by interspecific or intergeneric hybridization followed by chromosome doubling. Genome duplication can be a source of genes with new functions, resulting in new phenotypes and new adaptive mechanisms. Homozygous polyploids usually suffer from reduced fertility, while heterozygous polyploids have the potential for heterozygous or hybrid dominance. Polyploids generate tremendous genetic, genomic, and phenotypic novelty; however, the greater complexity between genotype and phenotype in polyploids compared to diploid plants makes linking genotype to phenotype a challenging task. In addition, many major crops exhibit polyploidy and are difficult to genetically modify. Recent advances in genome sequencing and editing have made polyploid genome engineering possible.
Fig. 1. Phenotypic variation between diploids and tetraploids in Solanum commersonii (a, b) and in Medicago sativa (c, d). (Carputo et al., 2012)
Duplication of genes or chromosomal segments can produce additional copies of genes not associated with polyploidy, and there may be chromosomal deletions, recombinations, or mutations that make alloploidy or whole-genome duplication in the ancestor more difficult to detect. Based on our next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology platform, CD Genomics offers whole genome sequencing approaches for sequencing and assembling polyploid crops that include a combination of RNA-seq and SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) analysis. High-throughput RNA-seq can provide unprecedented detailed information about which allele of a gene is expressed throughout the genome, and appropriate SNPs can be analyzed for differential expression of duplicated homologous genes originating from the parental genome. Our NGS also allows for genome-scale studies of polyploid plants by direct chromatin and DNA methylation crosstalk via ChIP-Seq, bisulfite sequencing, and more. Sequencing-based approaches allow whole genome studies of small RNA expression. High-throughput cDNA pyrophosphate sequencing allows us to perform transcriptome analyses of crop heteropolyploids, helping you to understand the diversity and evolution of small RNA expression in closely related species as well as interspecific hybrids.
In addition. We offer long-read sequencing technology for sequencing polyploid plant genomes and can assemble complete polyploid genomes. Our genetic mapping can utilize powerful statistical models that are critical for identifying the genes behind the polyploidization process in a large amount of rapidly growing genome sequence information.
We can sequence a wide variety of polyploid crops, including Triticum aestivum (wheat), Arachis hypogaea (peanut), Avena sativa (oat), Musa sp. (banana), many agricultural Brassica species, Solanum tuberosum (potato), Fragaria ananassa (strawberry), and Coffea arabica (coffee).
CD Genomics is committed to developing high-throughput whole genome approaches to reveal the genetic and epigenetic consequences of polyploidy and the availability of phenotyping platforms. Accumulating knowledge about polyploid formation, maintenance, and differentiation at the whole genome and subgenomic levels will not only help plant biologists understand how plants evolve and diversify, but also help plant breeders design new strategies for crop improvement. If you are interested, please feel free to contact us.
Reference
Related Services
Agricultural NGS Services
Animal and Plant Whole Genome Sequencing
Whole Genome Resequencing
Long-read Sequencing
Small RNA Sequencing
ChIP-seq Services
SNP Detection
Transcriptome (RNA-seq) Services
Gene Mapping in Animals and Plants
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CD Genomics is propelling the future of agriculture by employing cutting-edge sequencing and genotyping technologies to predict and enhance multiple complex polygenic traits within breeding populations.