Rapid genome divergence at orthologous low molecular weight glutenin loci of the A and Am genomes of wheat

To study genome evolution in wheat, we have sequenced and compared two large physical contigs of 285 and 142 kb covering orthologous low molecular weight (LMW) glutenin loci on chromosome 1AS of a diploid wheat species (Triticum monococcum subsp monococcum) and a tetraploid wheat species (Triticum turgidum subsp durum). Sequence conservation between the two species was restricted to small regions containing the orthologous LMW glutenin genes, whereas >90% of the compared sequences were not conserved. Dramatic sequence rearrangements occurred in the regions rich in repetitive elements. Dating of long terminal repeat retrotransposon insertions revealed different insertion events occurring during the last 5.5 million years in both species. These insertions are partially responsible for the lack of homology between the intergenic regions. In addition, the gene space was conserved only partially, because different predicted genes were identified on both contigs. Duplications and deletions of large fragments that might be attributable to illegitimate recombination also have contributed to the differentiation of this region in both species. The striking differences in the intergenic landscape between the A and A(m) genomes that diverged 1 to 3 million years ago provide evidence for a dynamic and rapid genome evolution in wheat species.