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In poplar, a quantitative genetic screen identifies a G-type lectin receptor-like kinase that mediates ectomycorrhizal symbiosis with Laccaria bicolor. Expression of the kinase in non-host Arabidopsis makes mycorrhizal colonization possible.

Much remains to be learned about the biology of mushrooms, which are an important source of food as well as secondary metabolites and enzymes of biotechnological importance. Ohm et al. report the sequence of the genetically tractable species Schizophyllum commune and identify genes involved in the formation of fruiting bodies and the degradation of lignocellulose.

Latitudinal ecosystem boundaries in the global upper ocean may be driven by many factors. Here the authors investigate pole-to-pole eukaryotic phytoplankton metatranscriptomes, gene co-expression networks, and beta diversity, finding that geographic patterns are best explained by temperature gradients.

Genomes of three Tuberaceae species and two related truffle species reveal genetic similarities across symbiotic truffle-forming fungi, including high expression of genes involved in volatile organic compound metabolism.

The ascomycete Cenococcum geophilum is a beneficial mycorrhizal symbiont found frequently on tree roots. Here the authors use comparative genomics and transcriptomics to define genomic signatures that differentiate the beneficial C. geophilumfrom its saprotrophic and pathogenic relatives.

Sequencing the nuclear genomes of Guillardia theta and Bigelowiella natans, transitional forms in the endosymbiotic acquisition of photosynthesis by engulfment of certain eukaryotic algae, reveals unprecedented alternative splicing for a single-celled organism (B. natans) and extensive genetic and biochemical mosaicism, shedding light on why nucleomorphs persist in these species but not other algae.

The genome of the spider mite Tetranychus urticae is sequenced, providing insights into its polyphagous feeding, silk production, hormonal repertoire and reduced Hox cluster.

Soybean is an important crop plant, providing seed protein and oil and fixing atmospheric nitrogen through symbioses with soil-borne microorganisms. Using a whole-genome shotgun approach, its 1.1-gigabase genome is now sequenced and integrated with physical and high-density genetic maps to create a chromosome-scale draft sequence assembly.

Thermostable enzymes are used for a range of industrial processes, including biofuel production. Berka et al. report the genome sequences of two thermophilic eukaryotic fungi with enzymes that operate at the elevated temperatures needed to digest biomass and prepare many biochemicals.

Completion of genome sequences for the diploid Setaria italica reveals features of C₄ photosynthesis that could enable improvement of the polyploid biofuel crop switchgrass (Panicum virgatum). The genetic basis of biotechnologically relevant traits, including drought tolerance, photosynthetic efficiency and flowering control, is also highlighted.

The Eucalyptus grandis genome has been sequenced, revealing the greatest number of tandem duplications of any plant genome sequenced so far, and the highest diversity of genes for specialized metabolites that act as chemical defence and provide unique pharmaceutical oils; genome sequencing of the sister species E. globulus and a set of inbred E. grandis tree genomes reveals dynamic genome evolution and hotspots of inbreeding depression.

The genome of the wild grass Brachypodium distachyon (Brachypodium), a member of the Pooideae subfamily, is sequenced. The Pooideae are one of three subfamilies of grasses that provide the bulk of human nutrition and may become major sources of renewable energy. Availability of the genome sequence should help establish Brachypodium as a model for developing new energy and food crops.

Compared in this Analysis are two widely used procedures for ribosomal RNA removal in metatranscriptomic samples, and the authors present recommendations to prevent misleading analyses of microbial communities.

The genome of the Southern Ocean phytoplankton Fragilariopsis cylindrus differs markedly from the genomes of its more temperate relatives, with divergent alleles being differentially expressed in environmentally specific conditions such as freezing and darkness.

Francis Martin and colleagues report genome sequences for 18 species of mycorrhizal fungi and a phylogenomic analysis including 32 other fungal genomes. The study identifies cell wall-degradation genes lost in all true ectomycorrhizal species and, using gene expression data, finds candidate genes for the establishment of symbiosis.

Igor Grigoriev and colleagues perform single-molecule real-time sequencing on 16 diverse fungal species to evaluate levels of adenine methylation (6mA). They find that almost 3% of all adenines are methylated in early-diverging fungi, and they identify clusters of methylated adenines that are enriched at transcription start sites of active genes.

A reference genome from the coccolithophore Emiliania huxleyi is presented, along with sequences from 13 additional isolates, revealing a pan genome comprising core genes and genes variably distributed between strains: E. huxleyi is found to harbour extensive genetic variability under different metabolic repertoires, explaining its ability to thrive under a diverse range of environmental conditions.