The paper of "Structural Variation Reshapes Population Gene Expression and Trait Variation in 2,105 Brassica Napus Accessions" has been published on Nature Genetics. Congratulations!

Based on 16 Brassica napus genomes and a core collection of 2,105 re-sequenced accessions, the researchers constructed a pan-species structural variation (Pan-SV) genome for rapeseed. By integrating transcriptome data from five tissues across the population, they identified SV-expression quantitative trait loci (SV-eQTLs) involved in gene expression regulation and summarized eight key molecular mechanisms by which SVs modulate gene expression. They developed a high-throughput combinatorial analysis method integrating GWAS, eQTL, TWAS, and COLOC, through which they identified 726 causal relationships of “SV → Gene Expression → Trait Variation” and their regulatory networks for 54 important agronomic traits in rapeseed.

Through comprehensive dissection of the glucosinolate (GSL) biosynthesis and transport pathways, the study uncovered 436 genes and their haplotypes involved in GSL regulation in rapeseed. Based on this, the researchers elucidated the coupling mechanism between GSL synthesis and transport, and successfully created breakthrough rapeseed germplasms with improved quality and resistance to pests and diseases using gene editing and other technologies. This study not only provides a high-throughput strategy for gene mining and functional analysis but also offers comprehensive genetic resources and elite breeding materials for rapeseed genomic research and biobreeding industries.

Full text article link: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41588-024-01957-7