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bioRxiv · 10.1101/2025.08.18.670985

Chromosome-scale Genome Assemblies of Two Allopolyploid Cuscuta Species Uncover Genomic Signatures of Parasitic Lifestyle and Polyploid Evolution

Segawa, T.·Yoshizumi, S.·Toyonaga, H.·Shiraishi, A.·Sato, K.·Yamabe, T.·Takagi, M.·Takagawa, M.·Yokoyama, R.·Itoh, T.·Ono, E.
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Abstract

Dodders (Cuscuta spp.) is an obligated parasitic plant, which lost a large part of photosynthetic genes but gained host genes through parasitism-mediated horizontal gene transfer (HGT). Their migratory ecology across the world would contribute to complexity of the speciation via geographic isolation. Here we report the de novo genome assemblies of the two phylogenetically distinct dodders; C. chinensis (2n=4x=60) and C. campestris (2n=4x=60) that are classified into Clade B and Clade H of subgenus Grammica, respectively. Relatively low completeness of BUSCO genes ca.87% indicated progressive gene loss after evolution of parasitic lifestyle due to release from functional constraints as photosynthesis and organ development. Comparative genomics uncovered that both species are the genome size is completely different regardless of the same cytotypes and allopolyploid through the independent ancient hybridization between different parents. Various genomic rearrangements including 1) gene gain and loss events, 2) homoeologous recombination between two subgenomes and 3) the lineage-specific proliferation of transposable elements likely contribute to their genomic diversity and sexual isolation of the two lineages partly sharing their habitats. Our findings not only provide genomic basis to survey parental species for allopolyploidization but also help to understand unique speciation of parasitic dodders through these chromosomal natures.

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Segawa, T., Yoshizumi, S., Toyonaga, H., Shiraishi, A., Sato, K., Yamabe, T., Takagi, M., Takagawa, M., Yokoyama, R., Itoh, T., Ono, E.. 2025-08-22. Chromosome-scale Genome Assemblies of Two Allopolyploid Cuscuta Species Uncover Genomic Signatures of Parasitic Lifestyle and Polyploid Evolution. https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.08.18.670985

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