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bioRxiv · 10.64898/2026.02.24.707731

Regions of genome plasticity are systematically organized into recurrent integration spots that shape accessory-genome functional architecture: insights from a complete genome of strain F1C1 and pangenomic analysis of the Ralstonia solanacearum species complex

Abstract

1The Ralstonia solanacearum species complex (RSSC) is a highly diverse plant pathogen whose evolution is shaped by horizontal gene transfer. We generated a complete, gap-free hybrid genome assembly of F1C1, a South Asian Phylotype I strain classified as R. pseudosolanacearum. The closed assembly resolves a bipartite genome (3.73 Mb chromosome; 2.03 Mb megaplasmid), enabling precise localization of mobile genetic elements. Using F1C1 together with 142 complete RSSC genomes, we implemented a lineage-stratified pangenome framework that reveals a hierarchically structured gene repertoire and shows that accessory gene content can discriminate host-associated lineages beyond core-genome. Pangenome-informed mapping of genome plasticity identified 651 conserved integration spots that concentrate accessory turnover and are enriched for adaptive functions, including type III secretion system effectors and antiviral defense systems (e.g., Wadjet and CRISPR-Cas). Genes within these spots display elevated Ka/Ks relative to housekeeping functions, consistent with conflict-driven diversification and/or relaxed constraint. Together, these results link RSSC genome architecture to adaptive potential and provide a spot-based framework for genomic surveillance and resistance breeding in bacterial wilt pathosystems.

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Dey, U., Deka, J., Sharma, P., Yadav, M., Satapathy, S. S., Ray, S. K., Kumar, A.. 2026-02-26. Regions of genome plasticity are systematically organized into recurrent integration spots that shape accessory-genome functional architecture: insights from a complete genome of strain F1C1 and pangenomic analysis of the Ralstonia solanacearum species complex. https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.02.24.707731

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