The phytochemical elements of medicinal plants are largely responsible for a wide range of pharmacological actions. In modern medicine, secondary metabolites provide lead compounds for the production of medications, treating various diseases from migraines to cancer. However, they are being biosynthesized in very low concentrations in plants. Emerging tools such as metabolic engineering have contributed little to the production problem since insight into the molecular mechanisms driving plant secondary metabolism at present is fairly limited. To get beyond the low production of diverse secondary metabolites in plant cells, understanding the genetics of biosynthetic pathways and their regulation is vital. New functional genomics methods paired with metabolomics and proteomics will transform our understanding of the biosynthesis of natural products and the enzymes involved, allowing for a more focused approach to improve their biosynthesis and accumulation in medicinal plants. This field will likely become more relevant as the demand for new medications for newly discovered molecular targets grows and also to combat drug resistance in pathogens as well as parasites. The compelling economic characteristics of large-scale pharmaceutical production in plants may attract further investment and open up new doors in this promising research field.
Functional genomics research has been expedited by the exponential development in whole-genome sequence data availability in plants, including medicinal plants. Transcriptomics and short RNA sequencing data repositories from various tissues in different plants are critical for identifying possible candidate genes for the improvement of secondary plant metabolites biosynthesis. At the DNA, RNA, and protein levels, a genome-wide examination of numerous critical genes and transcription factors reveals a few key genes for trait improvement. The functional role of putative genes, promoters, long noncoding RNA, and miRNA must be established. Various genetic engineering strategies, such as overexpression and RNAi, as well as genome editing tools, like ZNF, TALENS, and CRISPR/Cas, have been used in different plants to achieve this goal. CRISPR/Cas technology, and its derivatives, have evolved into a potent, efficient, and diverse tool for gene editing, transcriptional activation, suppression, and other applications. Functional genomics and genome editing are frequently employed in plants to increase critical traits such as high levels of desired secondary metabolites, outstanding flavors, higher yields, and improved nutritional and medicinal value. Reviews and research articles on functional genomics and genome editing in medicinal plants are welcome in this Research Topic.
This Research Topic aims to publish basic and translational research covering the spectrum of functional genomics approaches and applications to improve secondary metabolites yield in medicinal plants. The emphasis will be on translational research with short- and long-term implications. Opinion pieces, count-counterpoint essays, and other editorial content will also be included in the publication. In this rapidly evolving sector, we hope to establish the journal as a thought leader in defining standards for publishing transparent, ethical, and replicable research.
The phytochemical elements of medicinal plants are largely responsible for a wide range of pharmacological actions. In modern medicine, secondary metabolites provide lead compounds for the production of medications, treating various diseases from migraines to cancer. However, they are being biosynthesized in very low concentrations in plants. Emerging tools such as metabolic engineering have contributed little to the production problem since insight into the molecular mechanisms driving plant secondary metabolism at present is fairly limited. To get beyond the low production of diverse secondary metabolites in plant cells, understanding the genetics of biosynthetic pathways and their regulation is vital. New functional genomics methods paired with metabolomics and proteomics will transform our understanding of the biosynthesis of natural products and the enzymes involved, allowing for a more focused approach to improve their biosynthesis and accumulation in medicinal plants. This field will likely become more relevant as the demand for new medications for newly discovered molecular targets grows and also to combat drug resistance in pathogens as well as parasites. The compelling economic characteristics of large-scale pharmaceutical production in plants may attract further investment and open up new doors in this promising research field.
Functional genomics research has been expedited by the exponential development in whole-genome sequence data availability in plants, including medicinal plants. Transcriptomics and short RNA sequencing data repositories from various tissues in different plants are critical for identifying possible candidate genes for the improvement of secondary plant metabolites biosynthesis. At the DNA, RNA, and protein levels, a genome-wide examination of numerous critical genes and transcription factors reveals a few key genes for trait improvement. The functional role of putative genes, promoters, long noncoding RNA, and miRNA must be established. Various genetic engineering strategies, such as overexpression and RNAi, as well as genome editing tools, like ZNF, TALENS, and CRISPR/Cas, have been used in different plants to achieve this goal. CRISPR/Cas technology, and its derivatives, have evolved into a potent, efficient, and diverse tool for gene editing, transcriptional activation, suppression, and other applications. Functional genomics and genome editing are frequently employed in plants to increase critical traits such as high levels of desired secondary metabolites, outstanding flavors, higher yields, and improved nutritional and medicinal value. Reviews and research articles on functional genomics and genome editing in medicinal plants are welcome in this Research Topic.
This Research Topic aims to publish basic and translational research covering the spectrum of functional genomics approaches and applications to improve secondary metabolites yield in medicinal plants. The emphasis will be on translational research with short- and long-term implications. Opinion pieces, count-counterpoint essays, and other editorial content will also be included in the publication. In this rapidly evolving sector, we hope to establish the journal as a thought leader in defining standards for publishing transparent, ethical, and replicable research.