Gapless pangenome analyses reveal fast Brassica rapa subspeciation

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Source: Science Magazine

Original: https://www.science.org/doi/abs/10.1126/science.ady7590?af=R...

Published: 2026-02-05T08:00:00Z

Scientists resequenced the genomes of 1,720 examples of Brassica rapa and assembled de novo 11 representative genomes without telomere-to-telomere gaps (T2T) for seven morphotypes and subspecies that serve as elite breeding parents.[1] They identified 6992 previously unannotated genes, 110 complete centromeres and pericentromeres, and five new satellites associated with the evolution of Brassica rapa morphotypes, subspecies, and the Brassica genus.[1] They assembled the most comprehensive gap-free pangenome from 31 examples, including 11 T2T genomes and 20 previously published genomes.[1] This pangenome revealed structural variation and gene diversity among Brassica rapa subspecies.[1] Genome-wide association studies have shown that the BrLH1 gene controls leaf head formation.[1] Structural changes in satellites, centromeres, pericentromeres, and genes have contributed to rapid subspecialization and morphotyping during the short history of Brassica rapa cultivation.[1] The results provide valuable resources for Brassica breeding.[1]