Multi-omics analyses provide insights into the evolutionary history and the synthesis of medicinal components of the Chinese wingnut

Abstract

Chinese wingnut (Pterocarya stenoptera) is a medicinally and economically important tree species within the family Juglandaceae. However, the lack of high-quality reference genome has hindered its in-depth research. In this study, we successfully assembled its chromosome-level genome and performed multi-omics analyses to address its evolutionary history and synthesis of medicinal components. A thorough examination of genomes has uncovered a significant expansion in the Lateral Organ Boundaries Domain gene family among the winged group in Juglandaceae. This notable increase may be attributed to their frequent exposure to flood-prone environments. After further differentiation between Chinese wingnut and Cyclocarya paliurus, significant positive selection occurred on the genes of NADH dehydrogenase related to mitochondrial aerobic respiration in Chinese wingnut, enhancing its ability to cope with waterlogging stress. Comparative genomic analysis revealed Chinese wingnut evolved more unique genes related to arginine synthesis, potentially endowing it with a higher capacity to purify nutrient-rich water bodies. Expansion of terpene synthase families enables the production of increased quantities of terpenoid volatiles, potentially serving as an evolved defense mechanism against herbivorous insects. Through combined transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis, we identified the candidate genes involved in the synthesis of terpenoid volatiles. Our study offers essential genetic resources for Chinese wingnut, unveiling its evolutionary history and identifying key genes linked to the production of terpenoid volatiles.