Sequencing of the Pedunculate Oak Genome and Contribution of Gene Expression and Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms to Speciation in the European White Oak Species Complex

The oak genome was sequenced and annotated to provide a framework to study the genomic patterns of divergence within the European white oak species complex  and  between locally adapted sessile oak populations along environmental clines. This presentation will focus on a genome scan of reproductive isolation barriers among  four sympatric and interfertile species  (Quercus petraea, Q. robur, Q. pyrenaica, Q. pubescens)  exhibiting different ecological requirements. We will report evidences for genomic islands of divergence and discuss underlying molecular mechanisms related to intrinsic (selection against hybrids) and extrinsic (ecologically-dependent) barriers.