9
flux tolerance in intertidal seaweeds arising from submergence/desiccation cycle
due to tidal rhythms is unique. Understanding the genetic regulations for gaseous
flux mitigation may aid in designing strategies for improving waterlogging tolerance in agriculture crops. Functional genomics in seaweeds may support in presenting the seaweed as genetic resource for improving traits in terrestrial crops.
Another aspect which is to be looked upon is developing the assay to test the
effect of seaweed-specific genes with unknown functions. The candidate gene can
be overexpressed now with the availability of suitable vectors or can be knocked out
by RNAi, and the concomitant effects can be determined. This will define the
seaweed- specific regulations not found in any other domain of life. Gupta et al.
(2014) highlighted the need for a coexpression match between mRNA (gene) and
targeted metabolite and their homologous expression. Further, Kumar et al. (2016)
also reviewed the importance of metabolomics in seaweeds (and other marine
plants) to investigate their unique metabolism. Reverse genetic approach knocking
out the gene then leads to identify responsible metabolites and its function. This
leads to a discovery of relationship between gene regulatory networks with specialized metabolic pathway opening new avenues for metabolic engineering for the
production of targeted specialized metabolites in seaweeds.
1.6 Conclusion
In conclusion, the expansion of functional genomics is essential to understand the
newer aspects of seaweed physiological and metabolic regulations. This will support in improvement and diversification of seaweed resource and their subsequent
commercial utilization. The functional genomics advancement in seaweeds will
decode the function and regulation of genes specific to seaweed traits, which is only
possible by developing assays determining the effect after overexpression or knockout. Functional genomics in seaweeds must advance with more of tools developed
to assay the effects of genes with no match with other life forms. Functional genomics of seaweeds may open new avenues for translational research of utilizing
seaweed genetic resource for improving agriculture productivity by conferring tolerance in them against various abiotic stresses mainly the salt and waterlogging.
Acknowledgements The authors would like to thank all the researchers contributing in seaweed
genomics. The first author (Vishal Gupta) would like to thank the Department of Science and
Technology, India, for INSPIRE Faculty award to initiate seaweed functional genomics. VG also
thanks the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, India, for providing
the research facility. VG is thankful to Dr. N Ramaiah, Chief Scientist, CSIR-National Institute of
Oceanography for providing research support. The financial support received from PSC0206 is
acknowledged to extend the seaweed functional genomics research.
1 Macroalgal Functional Genomics: A Missing Area
flux tolerance in intertidal seaweeds arising from submergence/desiccation cycle
due to tidal rhythms is unique. Understanding the genetic regulations for gaseous
flux mitigation may aid in designing strategies for improving waterlogging tolerance in agriculture crops. Functional genomics in seaweeds may support in presenting the seaweed as genetic resource for improving traits in terrestrial crops.
Another aspect which is to be looked upon is developing the assay to test the
effect of seaweed-specific genes with unknown functions. The candidate gene can
be overexpressed now with the availability of suitable vectors or can be knocked out
by RNAi, and the concomitant effects can be determined. This will define the
seaweed- specific regulations not found in any other domain of life. Gupta et al.
(2014) highlighted the need for a coexpression match between mRNA (gene) and
targeted metabolite and their homologous expression. Further, Kumar et al. (2016)
also reviewed the importance of metabolomics in seaweeds (and other marine
plants) to investigate their unique metabolism. Reverse genetic approach knocking
out the gene then leads to identify responsible metabolites and its function. This
leads to a discovery of relationship between gene regulatory networks with specialized metabolic pathway opening new avenues for metabolic engineering for the
production of targeted specialized metabolites in seaweeds.
1.6 Conclusion
In conclusion, the expansion of functional genomics is essential to understand the
newer aspects of seaweed physiological and metabolic regulations. This will support in improvement and diversification of seaweed resource and their subsequent
commercial utilization. The functional genomics advancement in seaweeds will
decode the function and regulation of genes specific to seaweed traits, which is only
possible by developing assays determining the effect after overexpression or knockout. Functional genomics in seaweeds must advance with more of tools developed
to assay the effects of genes with no match with other life forms. Functional genomics of seaweeds may open new avenues for translational research of utilizing
seaweed genetic resource for improving agriculture productivity by conferring tolerance in them against various abiotic stresses mainly the salt and waterlogging.
Acknowledgements The authors would like to thank all the researchers contributing in seaweed
genomics. The first author (Vishal Gupta) would like to thank the Department of Science and
Technology, India, for INSPIRE Faculty award to initiate seaweed functional genomics. VG also
thanks the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, India, for providing
the research facility. VG is thankful to Dr. N Ramaiah, Chief Scientist, CSIR-National Institute of
Oceanography for providing research support. The financial support received from PSC0206 is
acknowledged to extend the seaweed functional genomics research.
1 Macroalgal Functional Genomics: A Missing Area