Chromosome-scale genome assembly reveals how repeat elements shape non-coding RNA landscapes active during newt limb regeneration
Author
Summary, in English
Newts have large genomes harboring many repeat elements. How these elements shape the genome and relate to newts' unique regeneration ability remains unknown. We present here the chromosome-scale assembly of the 20.3 Gb genome of the Iberian ribbed newt, Pleurodeles waltl, with a hitherto unprecedented contiguity and completeness among giant genomes. Utilizing this assembly, we demonstrate conserved synteny as well as genetic rearrangements, such as in the major histocompatibility complex locus. We provide evidence suggesting that intronic repeat elements drive newt-specific circular RNA (circRNA) biogenesis and show their regeneration-specific expression. We also present a comprehensive in-depth annotation and chromosomal mapping of microRNAs, highlighting genomic expansion profiles as well as a distinct regulatory pattern in the regenerating limb. These data reveal links between repeat elements, non-coding RNAs, and adult regeneration and provide key resources for addressing developmental, regenerative, and evolutionary principles.
Department/s
Publishing year
2025
Language
English
Publication/Series
Cell Genomics
Volume
5
Issue
2
Links
Document type
Journal article
Publisher
Cell Press
Topic
- Genetics and Genomics
Status
Published
Project
- Deciphering the balance between regeneration and tumorigenesis
Research group
- Regenerative Immunology
ISBN/ISSN/Other
- ISSN: 2666-979X