The gut microbiota has been linked to cardiovascular diseases. However, the composition and functional capacity of the gut microbiome in relation to cardiovascular diseases have not been systematically examined. Here, we perform a metagenome-wide association study on stools from 218 individuals with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ACVD) and 187 healthy controls. The ACVD gut microbiome deviates from the healthy status by increased abundance ofEnterobacteriaceaeandStreptococcusspp. and, functionally, in the potential for metabolism or transport of several molecules important for cardiovascular health. Although drug treatment represents a confounding factor, ACVD status, and not current drug use, is the major distinguishing feature in this cohort. We identify common themes by comparison with gut microbiome data associated with other cardiometabolic diseases (obesity and type 2 diabetes), with liver cirrhosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Our data represent a comprehensive resource for further investigations on the role of the gut microbiome in promoting or preventing ACVD as well as other related diseases.

Mapping the mammalian brain: The diverse physiology of the brain is reflected in its complex organization at regional, cellular, and subcellular levels. Sjöstedt et al. combined data—both newly acquired and from other large-scale brain mapping projects—from transcriptomics, single-cell genomics, in situ hybridization, and antibody-based protein profiling to map the molecular profiles in human, pig, and mouse brain. The analysis is consistent with a conserved basic brain architecture during mammalian evolution, but it does show differences in regional gene expression profiles. Science , this issue p. eaay5947

Gossypium hirsutum has proven difficult to sequence owing to its complex allotetraploid (A_tD_t) genome. Here we produce a draft genome using 181-fold paired-end sequences assisted by fivefold BAC-to-BAC sequences and a high-resolution genetic map. In our assembly 88.5% of the 2,173-Mb scaffolds, which cover 89.6% ∼ 96.7% of the A_tD_t genome, are anchored and oriented to 26 pseudochromosomes. Comparison of this G. hirsutum A_tD_t genome with the already sequenced diploid Gossypium arboreum (AA) and Gossypium raimondii (DD) genomes revealed conserved gene order. Repeated sequences account for 67.2% of the A_tD_t genome, and transposable elements (TEs) originating from D_t seem more active than from A_t. Reduction in the A_tD_t genome size occurred after allopolyploidization. The A or A_t genome may have undergone positive selection for fiber traits. Concerted evolution of different regulatory mechanisms for Cellulose synthase (CesA) and 1-Aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid oxidase1 and 3 (ACO1,3) may be important for enhanced fiber production in G. hirsutum.

David Bertioli and colleagues report the genomes of Arachis duranensis and Arachis ipaensis, the diploid ancestors of cultivated peanut, Arachis hypogaea. Their analyses are a first step in understanding the evolution of the peanut's tetraploid genome.