MAYER, K. F. X., MARTIS, M., HEDLEY, P. E., ŠIMKOVÁ, Hana, LIU, H., MORRIS, J. A., STEUERNAGEL, B., TAUDIEN, S., KUBALÁKOVÁ, Marie, SUCHÁNKOVÁ, Pavla, DOLEŽEL, Jaroslav, STEIN, N. Unlocking the Barley Genome by Chromosomal and Comparative Genomics. Plant Cell. 2011, 23(4), 1249-1263. ISSN 1040-4651. E-ISSN 1532-298X

We used a novel approach that incorporated chromosome sorting, next-generation sequencing, array hybridization, and systematic exploitation of conserved synteny with model grasses to assign -86% of the estimated -32,000 barley (Hordeum vulgare) genes to individual chromosome arms. Using a series of bioinformatically constructed genome zippers that integrate gene indices of rice (Oryza sativa), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), and Brachypodium distachyon in a conserved synteny model, we were able to assemble 21,766 barley genes in a putative linear order. We show that the barley (H) genome displays a mosaic of structural similarity to hexaploid bread wheat (Triticum aestivum) A, B, and D subgenomes and that orthologous genes in different grasses exhibit signatures of positive selection in different lineages. We present an ordered, information-rich scaffold of the barley genome that provides a valuable and robust framework for the development of novel strategies in cereal breeding.