Plant Gene and Trait 2024, Vol.15, No.2, 62-72 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/pgt 62 Review Article Open Access The Role of Gene Duplication in Sugarcane Evolution and Trait Diversity Kaiwen Liang Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Crop Molecular Breeding, Sanya, 572025, Hainan, China Corresponding email: kaiwen.liang@hitar.org Plant Gene and Trait, 2024, Vol.15, No.2 doi: 10.5376/pgt.2024.15.0008 Received: 11 Feb., 2024 Accepted: 16 Mar., 2024 Published: 25 Mar., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Liang, 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: Liang K.W., 2024, The role of gene duplication in sugarcane evolution and trait diversity, Plant Gene and Trait, 15(2): 62-72 (doi: 10.5376/pgt.2024.15.0008) Abstract Gene duplication has played a significant role in the evolution and trait diversity of sugarcane (Saccharum spp.). Sugarcane, a highly polyploid and aneuploid crop, has undergone extensive gene duplication events, contributing to its complex genome structure and large genome size (~10 Gb). These duplications have facilitated the development of novel functions and adaptive traits, such as enhanced disease resistance and stress tolerance, which are crucial for the crop's agronomic performance. The retention of duplicated genes, particularly those involved in essential metabolic pathways, has been a driving force in the diversification and adaptation of sugarcane Furthermore, whole-genome duplications (WGDs) have been instrumental in the evolution of sugarcane, promoting genetic diversity and enabling the crop to adapt to various environmental conditions. Understanding the mechanisms and impacts of gene duplication in sugarcane can provide valuable insights for breeding programs aimed at improving yield traits and stress resilience. This study synthesizes current knowledge on gene duplication in sugarcane, highlighting its role in the crop’s evolution and trait diversity. Keywords Gene duplication; Sugarcane evolution; Trait diversity; Polyploidy; Whole-genome duplication 1 Introduction Sugarcane (Saccharumspp.) is a vital crop in global agriculture, contributing significantly to the production of sugar and bioenergy. It accounts for approximately 80% of the world's sugar supply and around 60% of biofuel production, making it a cornerstone of both food and energy industries (Sforça et al., 2019; Yang et al., 2020). The crop’s ability to thrive in tropical and subtropical regions further underscores its importance, as it supports the economies of many countries by providing raw materials for sugar, ethanol, and electricity production (Yadav et al., 2020; Mahadevaiah et al., 2021). The increasing demand for sustainable bioenergy sources has also positioned sugarcane as a key player in the transition towards renewable energy (Yadav et al., 2020; Mahadevaiah et al., 2021). Gene duplication is a fundamental evolutionary process that contributes to genetic diversity and innovation in plants. In sugarcane, which has a highly complex and polyploid genome, gene duplication events have played a crucial role in shaping its genetic architecture and phenotypic traits (Sforça et al., 2019; Zan et al., 2020). The polyploid nature of sugarcane, resulting from hybridization between Saccharum officinarum and Saccharum spontaneum, has led to a genome with variable ploidy levels and extensive gene duplications (Sforça et al., 2019; Singh et al., 2020). These duplications can result in novel gene functions, increased gene dosage, and the potential for subfunctionalization or neofunctionalization, thereby enhancing the plant's adaptability and trait diversity (Sforça et al., 2019; Singh et al., 2020; Zan et al., 2020). This study aims to investigate the contribution of gene duplication to the evolution and trait diversity of sugarcane, with a focus on its role in the genetic and phenotypic complexity of the crop. By examining how gene duplication influences key agronomic traits such as yield, disease resistance, and stress tolerance, this research helps to uncover the profound impact of gene duplication on sugarcane breeding programs and variety improvement. Understanding the mechanisms and effects of gene duplication will not only elucidate the evolutionary dynamics of sugarcane but also provide valuable insights for improving breeding strategies and crop enhancement.
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