Whole-genome sequencing of the traditional Chinese medicine licorice completed, aiding molecular breeding and cultivation to enhance medicinal efficacy
A research team composed of Japan's RIKEN, Chiba University, Kochi University and Osaka University, among others, announced that they had performed whole-genome sequencing of the traditional Chinese medicinal herb "licorice" (Glycyrrhiza), successfully obtaining genetic information for 94.5% of all its presumed genes.
Licorice is a leguminous plant widely used in various traditional Chinese medicines and is an important raw material for traditional Chinese medicine. It has multiple effects such as improving liver function, treating peptic ulcers, anti-inflammation, and relieving pain and cough. The main component abundantly contained in licorice root, glycyrrhizin, is 150 times sweeter than sugar and can be used as a non-sugar sweetener, with effects in preventing metabolic syndrome. At the same time, licorice is also an important raw material for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and natural sweeteners, and is in enormous demand. Sequencing its genome not only enables efficient breeding based on its genomic information, but also allows in-depth research into the genes for the effective medicinal component glycyrrhizin, with the aim of achieving biosynthesis.
The research team selected "Ural licorice" (Glycyrrhiza uralensis), the highest-quality variety of licorice, for whole-genome sequencing. By analyzing the obtained genetic information, they identified 34,445 protein-coding genes. Using the genomic information of licorice, the research team analyzed and compared it with the genomic information and whole genomes of other leguminous plants, and as a result discovered that part of the gene cluster related to the biosynthesis of isoflavones, one of the medicinal active ingredients, forms a gene cluster. The research team further conducted in-depth analysis of the gene family containing enzyme genes related to biosynthesis, and discovered its genetic structure and genetic expression.
At present, 90% of doctors in Japan use traditional Chinese medicine to treat diseases, and the usage is increasing year by year. Currently, 85% of traditional Chinese medicinal materials such as licorice in Japan are imported from China. In order to meet the ever-expanding market demand, this research is of great significance for the molecular breeding and cultivation of licorice in Japan, improving the efficacy of traditional Chinese medicinal materials, and further studying the useful genes necessary for producing medicinal active ingredients. (Reporter Chen Chao)