European scientists decode grapevine genome
European researchers have successfully decoded the genome of the grapevine. The results reveal that the vine contains more than twice as many genes involved in producing essential oils and aromas as other plants whose genomes have been sequenced, suggesting that the flavours of different grape varieties could be traced to the genome level. Writing in the journal Nature, the scientists of the French-Italian Public Consortium for Grapevine Genome Characterization explain that they chose the grapevine (Latin name Vitis vinifera) 'because of its important place in the cultural heritage of humanity beginning during the Neolithic period'. The vine under investigation came from a line derived from Pinot Noir grapes. The genome has around 480 million 'letters' and just over 30,000 protein-coding genes. A striking feature of the genome is the large number of genes related to wine characteristics. For example, the vine was found to have 89 functional genes that contribute to the production of resins, essential oils and aromas, which determine the aromatic features of the wine. In contrast, the other plants whose genomes have been sequenced have just 30 to 40 genes in this family. This large number of aromatic genes suggests that the diversity of wine flavours could be traced to the genome level, the scientists write. Furthermore, the analysis identified 43 genes involved in the production of resveratrol, which has been associated with the health benefits of drinking moderate amounts of red wine. Currently, the grapevine is susceptible to a number of pathogens, including powdery mildew and Pierce disease. Some species which are related to the grapevine are resistant to these pathogens. With the sequencing of the grapevine genome, the scientists hope that means will soon be found to transfer these resistance genes to the grapevine, either by backcrossing or gene transfer. 'As a consequence of this, it is hoped that it will also prompt a strong decrease in pesticide use,' the researchers comment. The grapevine is the first fruit crop plant and the fourth plant overall to have its genome sequenced, the others being Arabidopsis, rice and the poplar. The researchers have made the grapevine genome sequence fully available to the scientific community through public databases. Work on the project started in 2005 in the framework of a scientific cooperation agreement between the French and Italian Ministries of Agriculture. The two countries are the largest producers and consumers of wine in the EU.
Countries
France, Italy