Legume Genomics and Genetics 2024, Vol.15, No.4, 152-162 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/lgg 152 Review Article Open Access Syntenic Relationships and Chromosomal Evolution in the Legume Family Yuping Huang, Hangming Lin Tropical Legume Research Center, Hainan Institute of Tropical Agricultural Resources, Sanya, 572025, Hainan, China Corresponding email: hangming.lin@hitar.org Legume Genomics and Genetics, 2024 Vol.15, No.4 doi: 10.5376/lgg.2024.15.0016 Received: 02 Jul., 2024 Accepted: 03 Aug., 2024 Published: 14 Aug., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Huang and Lin., This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Huang Y.P., and Lin H.M., 2024, Syntenic relationships and chromosomal evolution in the legume family, Legume Genomics and Genetics, 15(4): 152-162 (doi: 10.5376/lgg.2024.15.0016) Abstract This study explores the syntenic relationships and chromosomal evolution within the legume family, providing key insights into their genomic architecture and evolutionary history. The study highlights the conservation of receptor-like kinases (RLK) and receptor-like proteins (RLP) across various legume species, revealing highly conserved syntenic blocks that contribute to stress resistance. Comparative cytogenetic analyses in species like Vigna angularis and Phaseolus vulgaris demonstrate significant macrosynteny and chromosomal rearrangements, particularly on chromosomes 2 and 3. The study also discusses whole-genome duplication events and their impact on the diversification and adaptation of legumes. Additionally, the study underscores the importance of leveraging advanced genomic technologies and multi-omics approaches to further elucidate the genetic and evolutionary dynamics in legumes. The findings offer valuable genomic resources and a framework for breeding strategies aimed at improving legume crop traits, ultimately enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability. Keywords Synteny; Chromosomal evolution; Legumes; Whole-genome duplication; Comparative genomics 1 Introduction Legumes have been integral to agricultural systems since the dawn of civilization, serving as a crucial source of food for humans and feed for animals. Their unique ability to symbiotically fix atmospheric nitrogen not only enhances soil fertility but also reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers, making them indispensable in sustainable agriculture (Smýkal et al., 2020). Economically, legumes are the second most important family of crop plants after grasses, contributing significantly to global food security by providing 33% of the dietary protein consumed by humans and playing a vital role in animal nutrition (Smýkal et al., 2015). The historical significance of legumes is further underscored by their role in the foundational work of Gregor Mendel, whose experiments with pea plants laid the groundwork for modern genetics. Chromosomal evolution and synteny, the conservation of blocks of genes across different species, are critical areas of study in plant genomics. In legumes, these phenomena have been shaped by key events such as whole-genome duplications, which have significantly influenced their genetic architecture and evolutionary trajectory. For instance, a major whole-genome duplication event approximately 58 million years ago is shared by most agriculturally important legumes, while a more recent duplication occurred specifically in the soybean lineage. These duplications have led to gene fractionation and the emergence of new gene functions, contributing to the development of legume-specific traits and enhancing their adaptability and utility in agriculture (Young and Bharti, 2012). This study aims to explore the patterns of syntenic relationships and chromosomal changes within the legume family. By examining the genetic and chromosomal evolution of legumes, it seeks to understand how these processes have contributed to their diversification and adaptation. The study will also highlight the implications of these evolutionary changes for legume breeding and genetic improvement, providing insights that could enhance the productivity and sustainability of legume crops. Through a comprehensive analysis of recent genomic studies, this study will elucidate the complex interplay between chromosomal evolution and synteny in shaping the genetic landscape of legumes, ultimately contributing to the advancement of legume genomics and agricultural practices.
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