Sequencing and chromosome-scale assembly of the giantPleurodeles waltlgenome

Abstract

AbstractThe Iberian ribbed newt (Pleurodeles waltl) constitutes a central model for probing the basis of regeneration. Here, we present the sequencing and chromosome-scale assembly of the 20.3GbP.waltlgenome, which exhibits the highest level of contiguity and completeness among giant genomes. We uncover that DNA transposable elements are the major contributors to its expansion, with hAT transposons comprising a large portion of repeats. Several hATs are actively transcribed and differentially expressed during adultP.waltllimb regeneration, along with domesticated hAT transposons of the ZBED transcription factor family. Despite its size, syntenic relationships are conserved across the genome. As an example we show the high degree of conservation of the regeneration-associated Tig1 locus with several neighbouring genes. Together, theP.waltlgenome provides a fundamental resource for the study of regenerative, developmental and evolutionary principles.