A reference genome and transcriptome of haustorial development in Pedicularis groenlandica reveal diverse trajectories of haustoria-associated gene evolution in parasitic plants.

Key Points

• This research investigates the genetic pathways involved in haustorial development in Pedicularis groenlandica.
• Analyzed a reference genome and transcriptome of Pedicularis groenlandica.
• Examined gene evolution associated with haustoria development.
• Identified mechanisms like pleiotropy and neofunctionalization in gene functions.
• Found evidence of pleiotropy and neofunctionalization in genetic pathways for haustorial function.
• Discovered that haustoria-associated genes are highly lineage-specific.
• Indicated an ongoing process of independent gene function co-option among parasitic plant lineages.