Genetic diversity of C4 photosynthesis pathway genes in Sorghum bicolor (L.)

Background C4 photosynthesis has evolved in over 60 different plant taxa and is an excellent example of convergent evolution. Plants using the C4 photosynthetic pathway have an efficiency advantage, particularly in hot and dry environments. They account for 23% of global primary production and include some of our most productive cereals. While previous genetic studies comparing phylogenetically related C3 and C4 species have elucidated the genetic diversity underpinning the C4 photosynthetic pathway, no previous studies have described the genetic diversity of the genes involved in this pathway within a C4 crop species. Enhanced understanding of the allelic diversity and selection signatures of genes in this pathway may present opportunities to improve photosynthetic efficiency, and ultimately yield, by exploiting natural variation. Results Here, we present the first genetic diversity survey of 8 known C4 gene families in an important C4 crop, Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench using sequence data of 48 genotypes covering wild and domesticated sorghum accessions. Average nucleotide diversity of C4 gene families varied more than 20-fold from the NADP-MDH gene family (θπ =0.2×10-3) to the PPDK gene family (θπ = 5.21×10-3). Genetic diversity of C4 genes was reduced by 22.43% in cultivated sorghum compared to wild and weedy sorghum, indicating that the group of wild and weedy sorghum may constitute an untapped reservoir for alleles related to the C4 photosynthetic pathway. A SNP-level analysis identified purifying selection signals on C4 PPDK and CA genes, and balancing selection signals on C4 PPDK-RP and PEPC genes. Allelic distribution of these C4 genes was consistent with selection signals detected.Conclusions Domestication of sorghum has reshaped diversity of C4 pathway. A better understanding of the genetic diversity of this pathway in sorghum paves the way for mining the natural allelic variation for the improvement of photosynthesis.