Underwater CAM photosynthesis elucidated by Isoetes genome

David Wickell, Li Yaung Kuo, Hsiao Pei Yang, Amra Dhabalia Ashok, Iker Irisarri, Armin Dadras, Sophie de Vries, Jan de Vries, Yao Moan Huang, Zheng Li, Michael S. Barker, Nolan T. Hartwick, Todd P. Michael, Fay Wei Li

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

66 Scopus citations

Abstract

To conserve water in arid environments, numerous plant lineages have independently evolved Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM). Interestingly, Isoetes, an aquatic lycophyte, can also perform CAM as an adaptation to low CO2 availability underwater. However, little is known about the evolution of CAM in aquatic plants and the lack of genomic data has hindered comparison between aquatic and terrestrial CAM. Here, we investigate underwater CAM in Isoetes taiwanensis by generating a high-quality genome assembly and RNA-seq time course. Despite broad similarities between CAM in Isoetes and terrestrial angiosperms, we identify several key differences. Notably, Isoetes may have recruited the lesser-known ‘bacterial-type’ PEPC, along with the ‘plant-type’ exclusively used in other CAM and C4 plants for carboxylation of PEP. Furthermore, we find that circadian control of key CAM pathway genes has diverged considerably in Isoetes relative to flowering plants. This suggests the existence of more evolutionary paths to CAM than previously recognized.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number6348
JournalNature communications
Volume12
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 1 2021

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Chemistry
  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
  • General Physics and Astronomy

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