Nature Communications | ERF转录因子在C4光合演化中发挥关键作用

2025年，Nature Communications发表了题为“A dominant role of transcriptional regulation during the evolution of C4 photosynthesis in Flaveria species”的研究论文，解析了黄顶菊属中编码C4光合作用途径酶的基因演化过程，揭示了ERF转录因子在C4光合演化中的关键作用。

摘要：C4 photosynthesis exemplifies convergent evolution of complex traits. Herein, we construct chromosome-scale genome assemblies and perform multi-omics analysis for five Flaveria species, which represent evolutionary stages from C3 to C4 photosynthesis. Chromosome-scale genome sequence analyses reveal a gradual increase in genome size during the evolution of C4 photosynthesis attributed to the expansion of transposable elements. Systematic annotation of genes encoding C4 enzymes and transporters identify additional copies of three C4 enzyme genes through retrotranspositions in C4 species. C4 genes exhibit elevated mRNA and protein abundances, reduced protein-to-RNA ratios, and comparable translation efficiencies in C4 species, highlighting a critical role of transcriptional regulation in C4 evolution. Furthermore, we observe an increased abundance of ethylene response factor (ERF) transcription factors and cognate cis-regulatory elements associated with C4 genes regulation. Altogether, our study provides valuable genomic resources for the Flaveria genus and sheds lights on evolutionary and regulatory mechanisms underlying C4 photosynthesis.

DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-56901-y