IISER Bhopal Researchers Conduct First Ever Genome Sequencing Of Medicinal Plant Amla
Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Bhopalam (IISER Bhopal) Researchers completed the first-ever genome sequencing of the medicinal plant of Jamun. Jamun, an evergreen tree popular in India for its medicinal properties, fruits, and ornamental value. The team was led by Dr. Vineet K. Sharma, Professor, Department of Biological Sciences, includes Abhisek Chakraborty, Shruti Mahajan, and Manohar Singh Bisht from IISER Bhopal.
The genome sequencing refers to the mapping out of the order of the genetic structure of any organism. The process is key to understand the basic structure of any organism and its evolution over time.
In order to understand the genomic and evolutionary basis of the tree’s medicinal values, the research team sequenced the S.cumini genome from the world’s largest tree genus Syzygium using Oxford Nanopore and 10x Genomics sequencing technologies. Jamun is the largest genome to be sequenced from the world’s largest tree genus, Syzygium. The findings have been published in the peer-reviewed journal Frontiers in Plant Science.
Dr. Vineet K Sharma, Department of Biological Sciences, explaining the aim of this research said, “The aim of this research was to gain new functional and evolutionary insights from the Jamun genome, which could be responsible for the wide range of pharmacological properties of this species conferred by the bioactive compounds that act as nutraceutical agents in modern medicine.”
Dr. Vineet K Sharma highlighted the insights gained from the research, he said, “Taken together, it is tempting to speculate that the adaptive evolution of major plant secondary metabolism pathways in S.cumini species confers unprecedented antidiabetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and other pharmacological properties of this tree. Further, the whole genome sequence of S.cumini will facilitate future genomic, evolutionary, and ecological studies on the world’s largest tree genus.”
Syzygium cumini, often known as Jamun, jambolan, or black plum, is a Myrtaceae plant family tropical tree. The amla plant is indigenous to South Asia and has been used in the Indian and Chinese”s traditional medicine for centuries. The clove genus, Syzygium, is the world”s biggest tree genus, with 1,193 recognised species, of which Jamun is one.
Jamun’s therapeutic properties are widely celebrated in India. Specifically, the fruit seed extracts of Jamun have well-known anti-diabetic properties. It is also highly recommended in Ayurveda to treat a variety of health ailments such as stomach discomfort, arthritis, cardiac problems, flatulence, asthma, diarrhea, and stomach spasms. The black plum can be eaten fresh or made into juice.
Other than Ayurveda, several clinical studies in the past have also shown the health benefits of Jamun due to it being an excellent source of bioactive components such as flavonoids, polyphenols, antioxidants, iron, and vitamin C. This attempt by IISER Bhopal is the first time that the plant has been examined and decoded so closely.
The Jamun genome has a higher number of coding genes resulting from gene duplication events compared to the other two sequenced species from this genus, which points towards a neopolyploidy event in the Jamun species. This duplication of genes can allow Jamun to acquire novel functions.
The research team analyses revealed the key genes involved in facilitating the adaptive evolution of Jamun. Among these, 14 genes allow for the biosynthesis of terpenoids, which are a diverse class of metabolites that are responsible for plant defense responses. These also contribute significantly to the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties offered by the tree’s leaves and seeds.
Moreover, alkaloids, another type of metabolite, are also abundantly found in different plant parts and offer curative properties against many diseases. This combination of alkaloids along with flavonoids is what gives the plant its anti-arthritic properties, the researchers suggest. Jamun has been considered one of the best home remedies for treating arthritis since ancient times.
In order to explain the anti-diabetic properties of this plant, the researchers discovered the presence of glucosides, another class of metabolites that prevent the conversion of starch into sugar, and explained how the plant possesses anti-diabetic value. Previous clinical assessments have shown that Jamun has a low glycemic index and alleviates diabetic symptoms such as excessive urination.
Jamun also has various genes which makes the plant rugged and improve its stress tolerance to factors like weeds and insects that induce damage, heat stress, salinity, and drought. The research team has found the remarkable adaptive evolution in Jamun.
