Mapping Genetic Hotspots in Tomato Hybrids

Jim Crocker
2nd July, 2024

Mapping Genetic Hotspots in Tomato Hybrids

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • The study by Wageningen University and Research focuses on enhancing tomato plant resilience by examining meiotic recombination patterns
  • Researchers identified specific genome regions with low recombination rates, called "coldspots," which hinder the introduction of beneficial traits
  • Understanding these recombination patterns helps breeders create new tomato varieties with better resistance and productivity, aiding global food security
Ensuring food security in a changing climate is a pressing challenge. Current crop yields are insufficient to meet the projected global population's needs by 2050, and climatic stress further complicates this issue by affecting crop resilience and productivity[2]. A recent study by Wageningen University and Research[1] sheds light on an innovative approach to enhance the natural resistance and resilience of plants, particularly tomatoes, through a detailed examination of meiotic recombination patterns. The study focuses on increasing natural resistance and resilience in plants by leveraging meiotic recombination, a process where chromosomes exchange genetic material during the formation of reproductive cells. This exchange is crucial for introducing desirable traits from wild relatives into cultivated crops. However, certain genomic regions exhibit low recombination rates, especially in interspecific crosses (crosses between different species), which limits the introduction of beneficial alleles. Researchers used pooled-pollen sequencing to map recombinant and non-recombinant regions between cultivated tomatoes and five wild relatives. They identified specific "coldspots"—regions with minimal recombination—that are influenced by structural variations and the presence of transposable elements (TEs). TEs are DNA sequences that can change positions within the genome, sometimes affecting the regulation and expression of genes. The study found that about two-thirds of the tomato genome consists of conserved coldspots, primarily located in pericentromeric regions (areas near the chromosome center) and enriched with retrotransposons, a type of TE. These coldspots often contain genes linked to important agronomic traits and stress resistance. This phenomenon, known as linkage drag, can hinder breeding efforts by maintaining undesirable genetic linkages. For example, while a gene providing disease resistance might be desirable, its close association with a gene reducing yield can complicate breeding programs. The researchers highlighted that hybrid-specific recombination coldspots are significantly influenced by the chromatin state, which varies between somatic (body) cells and meiotic (reproductive) cells. Chromatin is the complex of DNA and proteins that forms chromosomes within the nucleus of cells. Accessible chromatin regions are more likely to undergo recombination, while less accessible regions are not, thus contributing to the formation of coldspots. This study's findings align with earlier research on the mechanisms of meiotic recombination and its association with TEs[3]. For instance, it has been observed that certain TEs can modify recombination rates, affecting the genetic diversity and adaptability of species. The presence of TEs in coldspots and their influence on recombination patterns underscore their role in shaping the genome's evolutionary landscape. Moreover, the study ties into broader discussions on speciation and adaptation. Reduced recombination rates can facilitate divergence between species by maintaining distinct genetic identities despite gene flow[4]. This is particularly relevant in the context of breeding programs that aim to combine traits from different species while preserving their unique genetic characteristics. By mapping recombination patterns and identifying coldspots, this research provides valuable insights for breeders. Understanding where recombination is likely or unlikely to occur allows for more informed decisions in generating new tomato varieties with enhanced resistance and resilience. For example, breeders can strategically pair tomatoes with specific wild relatives to overcome linkage drag and introduce desirable traits more effectively. In conclusion, the study by Wageningen University and Research offers a detailed catalogue of recombination patterns in tomatoes, highlighting the impact of structural variations and TEs on genetic linkage. This knowledge is crucial for advancing breeding programs aimed at improving crop resilience and productivity, ultimately contributing to global food security in the face of climatic challenges.

AgricultureGeneticsPlant Science

References

Main Study

1) A catalogue of recombination coldspots in interspecific tomato hybrids.

Published 1st July, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgen.1011336

Related Studies

2) Genetic strategies for improving crop yields.

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-019-1679-0

3) Heterogeneous transposable elements as silencers, enhancers and targets of meiotic recombination.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s00412-019-00718-4

4) Recombination Rate Evolution and the Origin of Species.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tree.2015.12.016


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