Abstract Detail

Comparative Genomics/Transcriptomics

Field, Richard [1], Heyduk, Karolina [2], Leebens-Mack, Jim [3].

Using Iso-seq to improve reference genome annotations and identify putative polycistronic loci in Yucca aloifolia.

A prevailing dogma in biology is that eukaryotes transcribe genes monocistronically, i.e., each gene is transcribed into a single mRNA molecule. However, some exceptions to this rule are known to exist. In these special cases, two or more genes are transcribed polycistronically, i.e., multiple genes are encoded on a single mRNA molecule. Most of the previously known instances were identified and confirmed by traditional genetic techniques such as cloning and genetic mapping. Recent advances in long-read mRNA sequencing have enabled identification of mRNA transcripts that map to multiple gene models in a reference genome annotation. This powerful technology allows genome wide identification of putative polycistronic loci (PPL). We have begun developing a PPL analysis pipeline to apply to our model system Yucca aloifolia. Y. aloifolia is a model system for CAM photosynthesis research and we are working to develop a high-quality reference genome. Here, we present the preliminary results of a first pass at Y. aloifolia using our custom pipeline which demonstrate that the majority, if not all, PPL are in fact mis-annotated gene models in the version 2.1 referrence genome for Y. aloifolia.

1 - University Of Georgia, Plant Biology, 120 Carlton St, 2203, Athens, GA, 30602, United States
2 - University Of Hawai'i, School Of Life Sciences, 1800 East-West Road, Honolulu, HI, 96822, United States
3 - University Of Georgia, Plant Biology, 2101 Miller Plant Sciences, Athens, GA, 30602, United States

Keywords:
Genetics
genomics
transcriptomics.

Presentation Type: Poster
Session: P1, Comparative Genomics/Transcriptomics Posters
Location: Virtual/Virtual
Date: Monday, July 19th, 2021
Time: 5:00 PM(EDT)
Number: P1GT002
Abstract ID:573
Candidate for Awards:None