IISER Bhopal Accomplishes First-Ever Genome Sequencing of Jamun Tree

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In a significant scientific milestone, IISER Bhopal has achieved the first-ever genome sequencing of the Jamun tree . This accomplishment sheds light on the plant's medicinal attributes, its distinctive fruits, and its ornamental value

New Delhi: The Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER Bhopal) has successfully conducted the inaugural genome sequencing of the Jamun tree, scientifically known as ‘Syzygium Cumini’. Renowned for its medicinal properties, fruits, and ornamental value, the Jamun plant has been the subject of this scientific endeavor.

The research team utilized Oxford Nanopore and 10x Genomics sequencing technologies to sequence the genome of S.Cumini, a species from the world's largest tree genus Syzygium. This effort, detailed in an IISER Bhopal press release, aimed to unfold the genomic and evolutionary foundations underlying the medicinal properties of the plant.

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During the Jamun genome sequencing, the researchers uncovered the existence of glucosides, a distinct class of metabolites. This revelation explained the plant's anti-diabetic properties by inhibiting the conversion of starch into sugar.

Dr. Vineet K Sharma, highlighted the research objective, stating that the goal of this study was to extract novel functional and evolutionary insights from the Jamun genome.

These insights could be attributed to the diverse pharmacological properties of this species, driven by bioactive compounds serving as nutraceutical agents in contemporary medicine, Sharma said.

Collectively, it is interesting to consider that the adaptive evolution of major plant secondary metabolism pathways in S. Cumini species imparts remarkable antidiabetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and various other pharmacological attributes to this tree.

Dr. Sharma further highlighted that moreover, the complete genome sequence of S. Cumini will pave the way for forthcoming genomic, evolutionary, and ecological investigations into the world's largest tree genus.

Meanwhile, Dr. Sharma led the research team, and their discoveries have been documented in the journal Frontiers in Plant Science.