BMC Genomics (Feb 2013)

Draft genome sequence of the rubber tree <it>Hevea brasiliensis</it>

  • Rahman Ahmad Yamin Abdul,
  • Usharraj Abhilash O,
  • Misra Biswapriya B,
  • Thottathil Gincy P,
  • Jayasekaran Kandakumar,
  • Feng Yun,
  • Hou Shaobin,
  • Ong Su Yean,
  • Ng Fui Ling,
  • Lee Ling Sze,
  • Tan Hock Siew,
  • Sakaff Muhd Khairul Luqman Muhd,
  • Teh Beng Soon,
  • Khoo Bee,
  • Badai Siti Suriawati,
  • Aziz Nurohaida Ab,
  • Yuryev Anton,
  • Knudsen Bjarne,
  • Dionne-Laporte Alexandre,
  • Mchunu Nokuthula P,
  • Yu Qingyi,
  • Langston Brennick J,
  • Freitas Tracey Allen K,
  • Young Aaron G,
  • Chen Rui,
  • Wang Lei,
  • Najimudin Nazalan,
  • Saito Jennifer A,
  • Alam Maqsudul

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2164-14-75
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 14, no. 1
p. 75

Abstract

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Abstract Background Hevea brasiliensis, a member of the Euphorbiaceae family, is the major commercial source of natural rubber (NR). NR is a latex polymer with high elasticity, flexibility, and resilience that has played a critical role in the world economy since 1876. Results Here, we report the draft genome sequence of H. brasiliensis. The assembly spans ~1.1 Gb of the estimated 2.15 Gb haploid genome. Overall, ~78% of the genome was identified as repetitive DNA. Gene prediction shows 68,955 gene models, of which 12.7% are unique to Hevea. Most of the key genes associated with rubber biosynthesis, rubberwood formation, disease resistance, and allergenicity have been identified. Conclusions The knowledge gained from this genome sequence will aid in the future development of high-yielding clones to keep up with the ever increasing need for natural rubber.

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