ArticleNature communications2021
The Welwitschia genome reveals a unique biology underpinning extreme longevity in deserts.
Article in Nature communications, 2021. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 46 papers.
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46 citing papers in PubMed, 94 citations in OpenAlex.
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- The Module WmABF1-1-WmMYB111 Manipulates the Leaf Senescence of Welwitschia by Integrative Regulation of Abscisic Acid Biosynthesis, Chlorophyll Degradation and Nitrogen Transportation.Plant biotechnology journal · 2025Article
- A Group 6 LEA Protein Plays Key Roles in Tolerance to Water Deficit, and in Maintaining the Glassy State and Longevity of Seeds.Plant, cell & environment · 2025Article
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- Exploring the complexity of genome size reduction in angiosperms.Plant molecular biology · 2024Review
- Chromosome-level baobab genome illuminates its evolutionary trajectory and environmental adaptation.Nature communications · 2024Article
- Genome-wide analysis and identification of Carotenoid Cleavage Oxygenase (CCO) gene family in coffee (coffee arabica) under abiotic stress.BMC genomic data · 2024Article
- Increased DNA methylation contributes to the early ripening of pear fruits during domestication and improvement.Genome biology · 2024Article
- Physiology, genomics, and evolutionary aspects of desert plants.Journal of advanced research · 2024Review
- Comparative plastome analysis of the sister genera Ceratocephala and Myosurus (Ranunculaceae) reveals signals of adaptive evolution to arid and aquatic environments.BMC plant biology · 2024Article
- Decoding the leaf apical meristem of Guarea glabra Vahl (Meliaceae): insight into the evolution of indeterminate pinnate leaves.Scientific reports · 2024Article
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Authors and funding
34 authors at 14 institutions in 6 countries.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
The gymnosperm Welwitschia mirabilis belongs to the ancient, enigmatic gnetophyte lineage. It is a unique desert plant with extreme longevity and two ever-elongating leaves. We present a chromosome-level assembly of its genome (6.8 Gb/1 C) together with methylome and transcriptome data to explore its astonishing biology. We also present a refined, high-quality assembly of Gnetum montanum to enhance our understanding of gnetophyte genome evolution. The Welwitschia genome has been shaped by a lineage-specific ancient, whole genome duplication (~86 million years ago) and more recently (1-2 million years) by bursts of retrotransposon activity. High levels of cytosine methylation (particularly at CHH motifs) are associated with retrotransposons, whilst long-term deamination has resulted in an exceptionally GC-poor genome. Changes in copy number and/or expression of gene families and transcription factors (e.g. R2R3MYB, SAUR) controlling cell growth, differentiation and metabolism underpin the plant's longevity and tolerance to temperature, nutrient and water stress.
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