A high-quality chromosome-level reference genome of Pulsatilla chinensis

TL;DR

This paper presents the first chromosome-level genome assembly of Pulsatilla chinensis, a medicinal plant, to support research on its bioactive compounds and genetic resources.

Contribution

The study provides the first chromosome-level reference genome for Pulsatilla chinensis using PacBio and Hi-C technologies.

Findings

The genome assembly spans 6,588.76 Mb with 99.32% of sequences anchored onto eight chromosomes.

A total of 41,786 protein-coding genes were annotated with high functional coverage.

Abstract

Pulsatilla chinensis (Bunge) Regel, a medicinal species in the genus Pulsatilla (Ranunculaceae), exhibits significant anti-inflammatory activity due to its abundant triterpenoid saponins, enhancing its medicinal value. All 48 known Pulsatilla species lack whole genome sequencing data, hindering research on the utilization of genetic resources in the genus and investigations into their biosynthetic mechanisms. Here, we present the first chromosome-level genome assembly of P. chinensis. The assembly spans 6,588.76 Mb with a contig N50 of 4.28 Mb. Using PacBio sequencing and Hi-C scaffolding, 99.32% of sequences were anchored onto eight chromosomes. We annotated 41,786 protein-coding genes through ab initio prediction, homology alignment, and transcriptome evidence, with 98.77% functionally annotated via NR, GO, and KEGG databases. This assembly not only facilitates studies on the molecular mechanisms and biosynthesis of bioactive compounds in P. chinensis, but also supports the further enrichment and utilization of germplasm resources across the Ranunculaceae.

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