Data from: Boechera, a model system for ecological genomics

The selection and development of a study system for evolutionary and ecological functional genomics (EEFG) depends on a variety of factors. Here we present the genus Boechera as an exemplary system with which to address ecological and evolutionary questions. Our focus on Boechera is based on several characteristics: 1) native populations in undisturbed habitats where current environments reflect historical conditions over several thousand years; 2) functional genomics benefitting from its close relationship to Arabidopsis thaliana; 3) inbreeding tolerance enabling development of recombinant inbred lines, near-isogenic lines, and positional cloning; 4) interspecific crosses permitting mapping for genetic analysis of speciation; 5) apomixis (asexual reproduction by seeds) in a genetically tractable diploid; and 6) broad geographic distribution in North America, permitting ecological genetics for a large research community. These characteristics, along with the current sequencing of three Boechera species by the Joint Genome Institute, position Boechera as a rapidly advancing system for EEFG studies.进化与生态功能基因组学（Evolutionary and Ecological Functional Genomics，简称EEFG）研究体系的遴选与构建，受诸多因素影响。本文将筷子芥属（Boechera）确立为一套可用于解答生态与进化相关科学问题的典范研究体系。我们选择该属作为研究对象，基于以下多项特征：1. 其自然种群栖息于未受干扰的生境中，当前环境可反映数千年来的历史环境原貌；2. 因其与拟南芥（Arabidopsis thaliana）亲缘关系密切，可依托其开展功能基因组学研究；3. 具有自交亲和性，可用于构建重组自交系（recombinant inbred lines）、近等基因系（near-isogenic lines），并支持图位克隆（positional cloning）技术的应用；4. 可开展种间杂交，用于物种形成相关遗传分析的基因定位研究；5. 其二倍体遗传背景易于操作，且存在无融合生殖（apomixis，即通过种子进行的无性繁殖）；6. 在北美地区具有广泛的地理分布，可满足大规模科研群体开展生态遗传学研究的需求。上述特征，加之联合基因组研究所（Joint Genome Institute）目前已完成3种筷子芥属物种的基因组测序，使筷子芥属成为EEFG研究领域快速发展的典范研究体系。