Reptiles are the most morphologically and physiologically diverse tetrapods, and have undergone 300 million years of adaptive evolution. Within the reptilian tetrapods, geckos possess several interesting features, including the ability to regenerate autotomized tails and to climb on smooth surfaces. Here we sequence the genome of Gekko japonicus (Schlegel's Japanese Gecko) and investigate genetic elements related to its physiology. We obtain a draft G. japonicus genome sequence of 2.55 Gb and annotated 22,487 genes. Comparative genomic analysis reveals specific gene family expansions or reductions that are associated with the formation of adhesive setae, nocturnal vision and tail regeneration, as well as the diversification of olfactory sensation. The obtained genomic data provide robust genetic evidence of adaptive evolution in reptiles.

BackgroundCommonly known as blister beetles or Spanish fly, there are more than 1500 species in the Meloidae family (Hexapoda: Coleoptera: Tenebrionoidea) that produce the potent defensive blistering agent cantharidin. Cantharidin and its derivatives have been used to treat cancers such as liver, stomach, lung, and esophageal cancers. Hycleus cichorii and Hycleus phaleratus are the most commercially important blister beetles in China due to their ability to biosynthesize this potent vesicant. However, there is a lack of genome reference, which has hindered development of studies on the biosynthesis of cantharidin and a better understanding of its biology and pharmacology.ResultsWe report 2 draft genomes and quantified gene sets for the blister beetles H. cichorii and H. phaleratus, 2 complex genomes with >72% repeats and approximately 1% heterozygosity, using Illumina sequencing data. An integrated assembly pipeline was performed for assembly, and most of the coding regions were obtained. Benchmarking universal single-copy orthologs (BUSCO) assessment showed that our assembly obtained more than 98% of the Endopterygota universal single-copy orthologs. Comparison analysis showed that the completeness of coding genes in our assembly was comparable to other beetle genomes such as Dendroctonus ponderosae and Agrilus planipennis. Gene annotation yielded 13 813 and 13 725 protein-coding genes in H. cichorii and H. phaleratus, of which approximately 89% were functionally annotated. BUSCO assessment showed that approximately 86% and 84% of the Endopterygota universal single-copy orthologs were annotated completely in these 2 gene sets, whose completeness is comparable to that of D. ponderosae and A. planipennis.ConclusionsAssembly of both blister beetle genomes provides a valuable resource for future biosynthesis of cantharidin and comparative genomic studies of blister beetles and other beetles.

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