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April 17th, 2025
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Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences, Science for Life Laboratory, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
evolutionary biology
biorxiv

Genomic studies in Linum shed light on the evolution of the distyly supergene and the molecular basis of convergent floral evolution

Zervakis, P.-I.Open in Google Scholar•Postel, Z.Open in Google Scholar•Losvik, A.Open in Google Scholar•Fracassetti, M.Open in Google Scholar•Soler, L.Open in Google Scholar•Proux-Wera, E.Open in Google Scholar•Bunikis, I.Open in Google Scholar•Churcher, A.Open in Google Scholar•Slotte, T.Open in Google Scholar

Distyly, an example of convergent evolution, is governed by a supergene called the S-locus. Recent studies highlight similar genetic architectures of independently evolved S-loci, but whether similar regulatory pathways underlie convergent evolution of distyly remains unclear. We examined the evolution of supergenes and mechanisms underlying distyly in Linum species that diverged ~33 Mya. Using haplotype-resolved genomes and population genomics, we identified and characterized the S-loci of Linum perenne (distylous) and Linum grandiflorum (style length dimorphic), and compared them to that of Linum tenue (distylous). We then tested for a conserved hormonal mechanism regulating style length polymorphism in Linum. Hemizygosity in short-styled individuals is a shared feature of the Linum S-locus supergene, though its size, gene content, repeat elements, and extent of recombination suppression vary greatly among species. Two distyly candidate genes, TSS1 (style length) and WDR-44 (anther height/pollen self-incompatibility) are conserved at the S-locus. Consistent with a brassinosteroid-dependent role of TSS1, epibrassinolide treatment revealed a conserved, morph-specific effect on style length. S-locus genetic architecture, key S-locus genes and mechanisms regulating style length remain conserved >30 Mya in Linum. In combination with findings from other systems, our results suggest that the brassinosteroid pathway frequently contributes to style length polymorphism.

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