A reference genome for the Chinese Lizardtail Herb (Saururus chinensis)

Several months earlier, other researchers had achieved the inaugural publication of the Chinese Lizardtail Herb (Saururus chinensis) genome dataset. However, the quality of that genome dataset is not deeply satisfactory, especially in terms of genome continuity (Contig N50 length {approx} 1.429 Mb) and gene-set completeness (BUSCO evaluation {approx} 91.32%). In this study, we present an improved chromosome-level genome of S. chinensis, characterized by heightened genome continuity (Contig N50 length {approx} 4.180 Mb) and a more complete gene-set (BUSCO evaluation {approx} 95.91%). Our investigation reveal that the extant S. chinensis genome preserves abundant vestiges of a paleo-tetraploidization event that are discernible both at the macroscopic chromosome level and within microscopic gene families, such as the PEL (pseudo-etiolation in light) family. Moreover, we elucidate that this paleo-tetraploidization event is associated with an expansion of the PEL family, potentially initiating a process conducive to its neofunctionalization and/or subfunctionalization.