Assessing Genomic Evolution of Tubulin Gene Family for Camelina Species Genotyping - Cytology and Genetics

Abstract Tubulin plays a key role in the functioning of cytoskeletal systems that regulate such fundamental processes as cell division and growth. Correct identification of isotypes and determination of the orthology of tubulin genes in plants is a nontrivial task that requires the involvement of a complex of bioinformatics approaches. In the present study, a genome-wide search and identification of tubulin genes was carried out in diploid representatives of the genus Camelina, in particular in the C. neglecta, C. laxa, and C. hispida species, which allowed the authors to identify complete sets of α-, β-, and γ-tubulin genes as well as their pseudogenes. Phylogenetic analysis and a series of genome-wide comparisons allowed for establishing the orthology of the tubulin genes, determining isotype identity of the encoded tubulins, and tracing evolutionary changes in tubulin gene sets during species divergence and the emergence of allohexaploid C. sativa species. Genotyping of the accessions of different Camelina species using TBP-, cTBP-, and γTBP-markers allowed effective differentiation of species based on the assessment of polymorphisms of intronic regions of the β- and γ-tubulin genes. The obtained results lay a strong groundwork for further studies of the isotype and functional diversity of tubulins in Cruciferae and other groups of flowering plants and will also contribute to the development and implementation of new, highly efficient molecular marker systems for DNA-barcoding and marker-assisted breeding of plant species, including such promising oilseed crops as C. sativa.