Pulsatilla chinensis genome
Pulsatilla chinensis (Bunge) Regel, a medicinal species in the genus Pulsatilla (Ranunculaceae), exhibits significant anti-inflammatory activity due to its abundant triterpenoid saponins, enhancing its medicinal value. All 43 known Pulsatilla species lack whole genome sequencing data, hindering research on their evolution and Ranunculaceae phylogeny. Here, we present the first chromosome-level genome assembly of P. chinensis. The assembly spans 6,588.76 Mb with a contig N50 of 4.28 Mb. Using PacBio sequencing and Hi-C scaffolding, 99.32% of sequences were anchored onto eight chromosomes. We annotated 41,786 protein-coding genes through ab initio prediction, homology alignment, and transcriptome evidence, with 98.77% functionally annotated via NR, GO, and KEGG databases. Evolutionary analysis revealed that Pulsatilla shared a whole-genome duplication (WGD) event with Ranunculus, diverging 27–55 million years ago. Ancestral chromosomal reconstruction indicated seven chromosomes in Ranunculales ancestors. This assembly enables molecular studies on bioactive compounds and clarifies Pulsatilla's evolution within Ranunculaceae.