ena-STUDY-MAX PLANCK INSTITUTE FOR PLANT BREEDING RESEARCH-02-05-2018-13:21:03:063-24
Between-species association mapping links mutation rate differences to the loss of gene body methylation in closely-related plant species
Phylogenetic association mapping (PAM) can unravel the genetic basis of species differences, however, successful reports are still scarce. Here we correlated gene copy-number differences across 47 Brassicaceae species to two variable traits, leaf shape and mutation rates. This revealed a previously described gene required for complex leaf shapes, and a significant association between CG?TG mutations and CHROMOMETHLYASE 3. Species without CMT3 lack gene-body methylation and show reduced mutation rates most likely due to lower mutability of non-methylated cytosines. This coincidence implies an evolutionary trade-off between functional gene body methylation and low mutation rates and demonstrates the huge potential of PAM.
Phylogenetic association mapping (PAM) can unravel the genetic basis of species differences, however, successful reports are still scarce. Here we correlated gene copy-number differences across 47 Brassicaceae species to two variable traits, leaf shape and mutation rates. This revealed a previously described gene required for complex leaf shapes, and a significant association between CG?TG mutations and CHROMOMETHLYASE 3. Species without CMT3 lack gene-body methylation and show reduced mutation rates most likely due to lower mutability of non-methylated cytosines. This coincidence implies an evolutionary trade-off between functional gene body methylation and low mutation rates and demonstrates the huge potential of PAM.