Completion of Genome sequencing of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch to improve efficacy in Molecular breeding and cultivation

A research team composed of the Japanese Institute of Science and Chemistry, Chiba University, Kochi University and Osaka University announced that they had sequenced the whole genome of licorice, a traditional Chinese medicine, and successfully obtained 94.5% of the presumed genetic information.

Licorice is a leguminous plant, which is widely used in all kinds of traditional Chinese medicine and is an important raw material of traditional Chinese medicine. It has many functions such as improving liver function, treating peptic ulcer, anti-inflammation and relieving pain and cough. Glycyrrhizin, the main ingredient in licorice root, is 150 times sweeter than granulated sugar and can be used as non-sugar sweetener to prevent metabolic syndrome. At the same time, licorice is also an important raw material for medicine, cosmetics and natural sweeteners, which is in great demand. The sequencing of its genome can not only make efficient breeding according to its genome information, but also deeply study the genetic genes of glycyrrhizin, an effective medicinal component, in order to realize biosynthesis.

The team selected "Ural Glycyrrhiza uralensis", the best quality of licorice, for whole genome sequencing. Through the analysis of the genetic information obtained, 34445 protein genetic codes were found. Using the genome information of Glycyrrhiza uralensis, the team analyzed and compared the genome information and the whole genome of other legumes, and found that one of the active components and part of the biosynthesis-related gene cluster of isoflavones formed gene clusters. The research team further analyzed the gene families containing enzyme genes related to biosynthesis and found their genetic structure and genetic expression.

At present, 90% of Japanese doctors use traditional Chinese medicine to treat diseases, and the use is increasing year by year. At present, 85% of Japanese licorice and other Chinese medicinal materials are imported from China. In order to meet the expanding market demand, this study is of great significance to the molecular breeding and cultivation of Japanese licorice, to improve the efficacy of Chinese medicinal materials, and to further study the useful genetic genes necessary for the production of active ingredients. (reporter Chen Chao)