Genetic architecture and evolution of the S locus supergene in Primula vulgaris

Li, Jinhong, Cocker, Jonathan M., Wright, Jonathan, Webster, Margaret A., McMullan, Mark, Dyer, Sarah, Swarbreck, David, Caccamo, Mario, van Oosterhout, Cock and Gilmartin, Philip M. (2016) Genetic architecture and evolution of the S locus supergene in Primula vulgaris. Nature Plants, 2. ISSN 2055-026X

Preview	PDF (Figures) - Accepted Version Download (375kB) | Preview
Preview	PDF (Supplementary information) - Accepted Version Download (1MB) | Preview
Preview	PDF (Accepted manuscript) - Accepted Version Download (497kB) | Preview

Abstract

Darwin’s studies on heterostyly in Primula described two floral morphs, pin and thrum, with reciprocal anther and stigma heights that promote insect-mediated cross-pollination. This key innovation evolved independently in several angiosperm families. Subsequent studies on heterostyly in Primula contributed to the foundation of modern genetic theory and the neo-Darwinian synthesis. The established genetic model for Primula heterostyly involves a diallelic S locus comprising several genes, with rare recombination events that result in self-fertile homostyle flowers with anthers and stigma at the same height. Here we reveal the S locus supergene as a tightly-linked cluster of thrum-specific genes that are absent in pins. We show that thrums are hemizygous not heterozygous for the S locus, which suggests that homostyles do not arise by recombination between S locus haplotypes as previously proposed. Duplication of a floral homeotic gene 51.7 MYA, followed by its neofunctionalisation, created the current S locus assemblage which led to floral heteromorphy in Primula. Our findings provide new insights into the structure, function and evolution of this archetypal supergene.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	primula,s locus,heterostyly
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Science > School of Biological Sciences Faculty of Science > School of Environmental Sciences
UEA Research Groups:	Faculty of Science > Research Centres > Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Conservation
Depositing User:	Pure Connector
Date Deposited:	17 Dec 2016 00:07
Last Modified:	01 Apr 2025 00:07
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/61759
DOI:	10.1038/nplants.2016.188

Downloads

Actions (login required)

View Item