作者: Rong Wang , Yang Yang, Yi Jing, Simon T. Segar , Yu Zhang, Gang Wang , Jin Chen, Qingfeng Liu, Shan Chen, Yan Chen, Astrid Cruaud , Yuanyuan Ding, Derek W. Dunn, Qiang Gao, Philip M. Gilmartin, Kai Jiang, Finn Kjellberg , Hongqing Li, Yuanyuan Li, Jianquan Liu, Min Liu, Carlos A. Machado, Ray Ming , Jean-Yves Rasplus, Xin Tong, Ping Wen, Huanming Yang, Jingjun Yang, Ye Yin, Xingtan Zhang , Yuanye Zhang , Hui Yu , Zhen Yue, Stephen G. Compton , Xiaoyong Chen 

Abstract: Many insects metamorphose from antagonistic larvae into mutualistic adult pollinators, with reciprocal adaptation leading to specialized insect–plant associations. It remains unknown how such interactions are established at molecular level. Here we assemble high-quality genomes of a fig species, Ficus pumila var. pumila, and its specific pollinating wasp, Wiebesia pumilae. We combine multi-omics with validation experiments to reveal molecular mechanisms underlying this specialized interaction. In the plant, we identify the specific compound attracting pollinators and validate the function of several key genes regulating its biosynthesis. In the pollinator, we find a highly reduced number of odorant-binding protein genes and an odorant-binding protein mainly binding the attractant. During antagonistic interaction, we find similar chemical profiles and turnovers throughout the development of galled ovules and seeds, and a significant contraction of detoxification-related gene families in the pollinator. Our study identifies some key genes bridging coevolved mutualists, establishing expectations for more diffuse insect-pol-linator systems.

Keywords: HI-C, Peptide Identification, Evolutionary Ecology, Read Algnment, Gene, Genome

DOI: 10.1038/s41559-021-01469-1