Long-read ultra-long sequencing was used for T2T genome assembly; Hi-C captured chromatin interactions, while combined metabolomic and transcriptomic profiling pinpointed core biosynthetic genes.
Key Findings
A gapless telomere-to-telomere reference genome of Centella asiatica was obtained, and the 3D spatial structural features of chromosomes were characterized.
Species-specific amplification and evolutionary patterns of key gene families responsible for triterpenoid saponin synthesis were traced.
Spatial chromatin interactions were proven to drive robust transcriptional activation of core saponin biosynthetic genes.
The corresponding article Telomere-to-telomere genome assembly and 3D chromatin architecture of Centella asiatica insight into evolution and genetic basis of triterpenoid saponin biosynthesis was published in Horticulture Research (IF: 7.3)