Genome sequencing of adzuki bean (Vigna angularis) provides insight into high starch and low fat accumulation and domestication

Adzuki bean (Vigna angularis) is distinct in its high starch and low fat accumulation. However, the underlying genetic basis is still not well understood. In this study, we generated a high-quality draft genome sequence of adzuki bean by using whole-genome shotgun sequencing strategy. By comparative genomic and transcriptome analyses, we demonstrated that the significant difference in starch and fat content between adzuki bean and soybean were caused by transcriptional abundance rather than copy number variations in the genes related to starch and oil synthesis. Furthermore, through resequencing of 49 population accessions, we identified strong selection during domestication and suggested that the semiwild adzuki bean was a preliminary landrace. Generally, our results provide insight into evolution and metabolism of legumes.