JCJC SVSE 7 - JCJC - SVSE 7 - Biodiversité, évolution, écologie et agronomie

Floral evolution in Magnoliidae: an integrated phylogenetic and Evo-Devo approach – MAGNIPHY

Diversification of floral shape: zoom on a key chapter of evolution

Using three complementary approaches (evolutionary relationships, ancestral shape reconstruction, and the study of floral genes), this project aims at better understanding the history and processes of floral evolution in a large group of flowering plants, Magnoliidae

Scientific context and goals of MAGNIPHY

Flowers are the showcase of the evolution of the angiosperms (or flowering plants) and played a key role in their success and diversification. Yet little is known on the evolution of flowers at the scale of angiosperms. The ultimate goal of the proposed project is to produce a new synthesis of floral evolution in Magnoliidae, a large group of 10,000 species that is remarkably diverse in floral structure (incl. magnolias, laurels, black pepper, and pipevines).

We will: (1) reconstruct a robust, dated phylogeny (evolutionary relationships) of Magnoliidae by combining DNA sequences (271 genera x 12 genes) and the rich fossil record of the group; (2) create a database of floral traits of Magnoliidae and test whether particular floral shapes have significantly favored species diversification; (3) characterize the floral transcriptomes (complete genomes expressed in the flower) of 20 species and determine patterns of expression of known and new floral genes.

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Flowers are the showcase of the evolution of the angiosperms (or flowering plants) and played a key role in their success and diversification. Surprisingly, little is known on the evolution of flowers at the scale of angiosperms. This project proposes to investigate floral evolution in Magnoliidae, a large monophyletic group consisting of four orders (Canellales, Laurales, Magnoliales, Piperales) and about 10,000 species. Magnoliidae are remarkably diverse in floral structures in contrast with monocots and eudicots, which appear to have relatively well-conserved floral groundplans. To understand the evolutionary, developmental, and ecological processes responsible for the floral diversity of Magnoliidae, we will: (1) reconstruct a robust, dated phylogeny for the group by combining a deep-sampling approach (271 genera x 12 genes), a phylotranscriptomic approach (20 species), and calibrations from the rich fossil record of the group; (2) create a comprehensive database of floral traits of Magnoliidae combining literature data with new SEM and µCT observations, and test for correlations among floral characters as well as between floral morphology, pollinating vectors, and diversification rates; (3) characterize the floral transcriptomes of 20 species using RNA-Seq and determine patterns of expression of known and new candidate floral genes. Unraveling the history and mechanisms of floral diversification in Magnoliidae will not only shed light on an enigmatic piece of the puzzle of angiosperm evolution, but will also provide invaluable insights into early floral evolution and the origin of monocots and eudicots.

Project coordination

Hervé SAUQUET (UMR 8079 Écologie, Systématique, Évolution (ESE)) – herve.sauquet@gmail.com

The author of this summary is the project coordinator, who is responsible for the content of this summary. The ANR declines any responsibility as for its contents.

Partner

Université Paris-Sud 11 UMR 8079 Écologie, Systématique, Évolution (ESE)

Help of the ANR 250,000 euros
Beginning and duration of the scientific project: December 2012 - 48 Months

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