Insights into Regulation of C and C Photosynthesis in / Using RNA-Seq.

(incl. ) shows an immense diversity of C syndromes. More than 15 independent origins of C photosynthesis, and the largest number of C species in eudicots signify the importance of this angiosperm lineage in C evolution. Here, we conduct RNA-Seq followed by comparative transcriptome analysis of three species from representing related clades with different photosynthetic types: (C), (C), and (C). Results show that belongs to the NADP-ME type and core genes encoding for C cycle are significantly upregulated when compared with and . and share a number of upregulated C-related genes; however, two C transporters (DIT and TPT) are found significantly upregulated only in . Combined analysis of transcription factors (TFs) of the closely related lineages ( and ) revealed that no C-specific TFs are higher in C species compared with C species; instead, the C species show their own set of upregulated TFs. Taken together, our study indicates that the hypothesis of the C photosynthesis as a proxy towards C photosynthesis is questionable in and more in favour of an independent evolutionary stable state.