A chromosome‐scale genome of Berberis wilsoniae reveals the evolution and chromosomal organization of benzylisoquinoline alkaloid‐related genes

The first chromosome-scale genome of Berberis wilsoniae provides a valuable resource for understanding the evolution and chromosomal organization of benzylisoquinoline alkaloid-related genes. Integrated comparative genomics, alkaloid profiling, and transcriptomic analyses reveal lineage-specific remodeling of BIA-related genes and highlight root-biased berberine-related metabolism in this medicinal species. These findings establish a basis for future studies of specialized metabolism and evolutionary genomics in Berberidaceae and Ranunculales.