Abstract Detail

Phylogenomics

Gallagher, Joseph [1], Man, Jarrett [2], Bartlett, Madelaine [3].

Evolution of function and structure in the leucine-rich repeat gene family in flowering plants.

The leucine-rich repeat (LRR) gene family has gone through vast expansion in plants. In Arabidopsis thaliana, more than 200 LRR receptor-like kinases, 50 LRR receptor-like proteins, and 200 NBS-LRR genes can be found in the genome. These genes, which play roles in signaling, disease resistance, and development, have been conserved across angiosperms. How often have these roles arisen within the LRR gene family, and how frequently do they switch? Is there an association between the domain structure of the LRR gene families and their functions? Here, I investigate the evolutionary history of this gene family across angiosperms. I comprehensively identify and classify genes containing LRR domains across multiple genomes in the angiosperms using Hidden Markov Models and iterative clustering. Using the identified genes, I construct phylogenetic trees for these genes using both traditional and supertree methods. Through analyses of smaller, individual clades, I have already discovered that LRR RLPs, receptor-like proteins lacking kinase domains, have multiple origins within the larger LRR gene family. I use the phylogenetic trees to examine changes in function and alterations in gene structure, such as the gain or loss of domains, and the correlation between function and form. This analysis reveals the complex history of the LRR gene family in the flowering plants and stands as a model for understanding the evolutionary history of very large gene families.

1 - University Of Massachusetts, Biology Dept, 221 Morrill Science Center III, Amherst, MA, 01003, United States
2 - University of Massachusetts, Biology, 221 Morrill Science Center III, 611 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA, 01003-9297, United States
3 - University of Massachusetts, Biology, 221 Morrill Science Center III, 611 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA

Keywords:
leucine-rich repeat
molecular evolution
Phylogenomics.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 1, Phylogenomics I
Location: 114/Mayo Civic Center
Date: Monday, July 23rd, 2018
Time: 10:15 AM
Number: 1008
Abstract ID:240
Candidate for Awards:None