O. Paun

Divergent transcriptional architectures beyond core CAM genes in facultative and constitutive CAM species in Tillandsia

The paper compares transcriptional architectures of CAM in two Tillandsia species, finding divergent gene expression patterns despite shared core CAM genes.

Recent speciation and adaptation to aridity in the ecologically diverse Pilbara region of Australia enabled the native tobaccos (Nicotiana; Solanaceae) to colonize all Australian deserts

The paper uses genomic data to show that Nicotiana section Suaveolentes colonized Australian deserts by adapting to arid conditions in the Pilbara region starting 5 million years ago.

Ecological divergence is marked by species specific plastic gene expression and distinct rhizosphere among sibling allopolyploid marsh orchids (Dactylorhiza)

This study examines gene expression and root mycobiome diversity in two allopolyploid orchids to understand how plasticity and environmental factors influence their ecological divergence and persistence.

The explosive radiation of the Neotropical Tillandsia subgenus Tillandsia (Bromeliaceae) has been accompanied by pervasive hybridization

This study investigates hybridization in the rapidly radiating Tillandsia subgenus, finding pervasive gene flow and reticulation during diversification.

CAM evolution is associated with gene family expansion in an explosive bromeliad radiation

The paper identifies genomic drivers of CAM evolution in Tillandsia by analyzing genome assemblies and gene family expansion.

Long-term methylome changes after experimental seed demethylation and their interaction with recurrent water stress in Erodium cicutarium (Geraniaceae)

This study examines long-term methylome changes in Erodium cicutarium after seed demethylation and recurrent water stress, finding significant epigenetic interactions affecting methylation levels.

Parallel adaptation to lower altitudes is associated with enhanced plasticity in Heliosperma pusillum (Caryophyllaceae)

This study shows that montane ecotypes of Heliosperma pusillum exhibit higher gene expression plasticity than alpine ecotypes, likely aiding adaptation to novel environments.

Variation of the Rdr1 gene insertion in wild populations of Nicotiana benthamiana (Solanaceae) and insights into recent species divergence

The paper uses genome-wide SNPs and multispecies coalescent methods to show that Nicotiana benthamiana is actually five distinct species, with LAB being one that split earlier from a common ancestor.

Recurrent allopolyploidization events diversify eco-physiological traits in marsh orchids

This study shows that recurrent allopolyploidy in marsh orchids leads to distinct eco-physiological traits adapted to different environments.

Drivers of genomic landscapes of differentiation across Populus divergence gradient

The paper analyzes genomic landscapes across a divergence gradient in Populus species to identify evolutionary forces shaping diversity and differentiation.

Polygenic routes lead to parallel altitudinal adaptation in Heliosperma pusillum (Caryophyllaceae)

The paper investigates parallel altitudinal adaptation in Heliosperma pusillum by analyzing gene expression divergence across ecotype pairs and finds a polygenic architecture underlying adaptive traits.

Taxon-specific or universal? Using target capture to study the evolutionary history of rapid radiations

The paper compares a taxon-specific target capture set with a universal kit to assess their effectiveness in reconstructing phylogenetic relationships in Bromeliaceae.

Novel Computed Tomography-based tools reliably quantify plant reproductive investment

The paper introduces CT-based tools to quantify pollen and ovule counts in orchids, finding deceptive flowers have more ovules and higher variance in pollen-ovule ratios than rewarding flowers.

Ecological plant epigenetics: Evidence from model and non-model species, and the way forward

The paper reviews epigenetic contributions to plant ecology and proposes integrating model-species research with non-model species studies to better understand ecological processes.