Work

A chromosome-level genome assembly of the polyembryonic endoparasitoid Macrocentrus cingulum

Year: 2025

Type: data-paper

Abstract: Polyembryony is a unique reproductive pattern, where multiple genetically identical offspring develop from a single egg. Macrocentrus cingulum, a polyembryonic endoparasitoid, is one of the dominant parasitoids of the globally agricultural pest, Ostrinia furnacalis, and it can serve as a valuable model for investigating the mechanisms of polyembryony. However, the previously published genome of M. cingulum remains highly fragmented, limiting comprehensive studies of its biological characteristics. Here, we present a chromosome-level genome assembly of M. cingulum using PacBio HiFi and Hi-C sequencing. This genome assembly is approximately 151.93 Mb with a contig N50 of 8.42 Mb and a scaffold N50 of 16.93 Mb, organized into 9 chromosomes. The repeat sequences constitute 25.52% of the genome assembly. A total of 14,471 protein-coding genes with 98.2% BUSCO completeness were predicted, of which 12,500 genes have been annotated in public biological databases. In conclusion, this reported genome should be a valuable genomic resource for exploring macroevolutionary mechanisms underlying polyembryony, and the molecular mechanisms of polyembryony in M. cingulum.

Source: Scientific Data

DOI: 10.1038/s41597-025-05019-3

Authors: Yuanshi Cai, Yipei Dong, Jian Hu

Institution: Sun Yat-sen University

Language: English

Topic: Chromosomal and Genetic Variations

Subfield: Plant Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,490

Funders: National Natural Science Foundation of China, Sun Yat-sen University, Science, Technology and Innovation Commission of Shenzhen Municipality