Genome Analysis of a Bio-fuel Plant, Jatropha curcas L

The whole genome sequencing of an oil bearing plant, Jatropha curcas L. has been completed (Sato et al. DNA Res. 2011). Total length of the non-redundant sequences was 285 858 kbp consisting of 120 586 contigs and 29 831 singlets, which accounted for ca. 95% of the gene-containing regions. A total of 40 929 complete and partial lengths of protein encoding genes have been deduced. The GC content was 34.3% in average. Comparison with genes of other plants indicated that 1529 (4%) of the putative protein-encoding genes are specific to the family, Euphorbiaceae. Frequent microsynteny was observed with the castor bean genome and with the genomes of soybean and A. thaliana to a lesser extent. cDNA obtained from both the tissues of leaves and calli were also sequenced and 21 225 unigene data were generated. In parallel with analyses of functional genes, numerous DNA markers were developed based on the genome sequence data obtained. Twelve Jatropha lines which were covering various areas in the world including America, Africa, and Asia were used for the polymorphism analysis. As a result, genetic diversity was shown to be very small among these lines. The genome sequence data and related information are expected to serve as valuable resources for the acceleration of fundamental and applied researches, especially in the field of breeding. Selection and breeding of a new Jatropha variety with good traits, such as high oil content is anticipated. Detailed information of on the Jatropha genome can be obtained from http://www.kazusa.or.jp/jatropha/