Molecular evolution of Adh and LEAFY and the phylogenetic utility of their introns in Pyrus (Rosaceae)
2011

Molecular evolution of Adh and LEAFY in Pyrus

Sample size: 25 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Zheng Xiaoyan, Hu Chunyun, Spooner David, Liu Jing, Cao Jiashu, Teng Yuanwen

Primary Institution: Zhejiang University

Hypothesis

The study investigates the molecular evolution and phylogenetic utility of low copy nuclear genes (LCNGs) in the genus Pyrus.

Conclusion

The study identifies LFY2int2-N as the best nuclear marker for phylogenetic reconstruction of Pyrus due to its suitable sequence divergence and absence of lineage sorting.

Supporting Evidence

  • DNA sequence analyses revealed a complex ortholog and paralog structure of Adh genes in Pyrus and Malus.
  • Comparisons indicated that some Adh homologs are putatively nonfunctional.
  • LFY2int2-N showed a relatively high sequence divergence and led to the best-resolved phylogeny.

Takeaway

This study looks at how certain genes in pears have changed over time and which ones are best for figuring out how different pear species are related.

Methodology

The study used genomic and RT-PCR approaches to analyze the Adh gene family and the second intron of LEAFY in various Pyrus species.

Limitations

The study faced challenges with paralogs and lineage sorting, which complicated phylogenetic analyses.

Participant Demographics

The study included 25 accessions from 13 oriental species and 4 occidental species of Pyrus, along with 6 accessions of 4 Malus species as outgroups.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2148-11-255

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication