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Abstract Detail



Comparative Genomics/Transcriptomics

Godden, Grant [1], Soltis, Pamela [2], Soltis, Douglas [3], Consortium, Mint Evolutionary Genomics [4].

Elucidating evolution of specialized metabolism in the mint family (Lamiaceae).

Mints (Lamiaceae) are a species-rich (~7200 species) and globally distributed clade, with many familiar species serving as sources of culinary flavors, perfumes, and medicines for human appreciation and consumption. Mints produce an astonishing array of structurally and functionally diverse specialized metabolites, many of which originate from a small group of precursors from primary metabolism. These precursors are modified via multistep metabolic pathways to yield a multitude of distinct end-products, particularly terpenoid compounds such as monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and iridoids (non-canonical monoterpenes).
Despite the vast cultural, economic, and ecological importance of mints worldwide, surprisingly little is known about the underlying chemistry of these plants. For example, it remains unclear how or why chemical diversity and complexity evolved in the mint family. The primary aim of our Mint Genome Project is to understand chemical pathways required for synthesis of specialized metabolites, especially monoterpenes and iridoids, and to elucidate the evolution of these pathways in Lamiaceae. Towards achieving this aim, we formed the Mint Evolutionary Genomics Consortium, a multi-institutional collaboration leveraging expertise in genomics, biochemistry, and evolutionary biology.
We will review several key findings from our Phase I projects, including mechanisms controlling chemical presence/absence and diversity inferred from our recent Lamiaceae-wide study integrating large-scale genomic, biochemical, and phylogenetic data. We will also show recent data documenting both widespread signatures of ancient polyploidy in Lamiaceae and links between genome duplications and chemical diversity and innovation. Lastly, we will provide updates on Phase II projects, including our progress on forthcoming genomes and plans for future research.


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Related Links:
Mint Genome Project


1 - University Of Florida, Florida Museum Of Natural History, Dickinson Hall, PO Box 117800, Gainesville, FL, 32611, United States
2 - University Of Florida, Florida Museum Of Natural History, Po Box 117800, Gainesville, FL, 32611, United States
3 - University of Florida, Florida Museum of Natural History, PO Box 117800, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
4 - Multiple

Keywords:
Lamiaceae
specialized metabolism
genomes
transcriptomes
Gene duplication
polyploidy
monoterpenes
iridoids
sesquiterpenes.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: CG1, Comparative Genetics/Genomics I
Location: Tucson I/Starr Pass
Date: Tuesday, July 30th, 2019
Time: 11:15 AM
Number: CG1011
Abstract ID:1011
Candidate for Awards:None


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