Bioinformatics, the fusion of biology, computer science, and information technology, has become indispensable for comprehending and managing the immense biological data generated by modern molecular techniques. This review explores the significance of bioinformatics in sericulture, focusing on its applications in silkworm (Bombyx mori) and host plant research. Numerous online databases, including SilkDB, KAIKObase, SilkBase, and MorusDB, have been established to organize and provide access to genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic data for silkworms, mulberry, and associated organisms. Bioinformatic analyses have facilitated the identification of genes conferring desirable traits such as disease resistance, drought tolerance, and olfactory modulation in silkworms and host plants. Case studies exemplify the utility of bioinformatics in unraveling the defense mechanisms of the silkworm cocoon and tracing horizontal gene transfer events during evolution. The integration of bioinformatics tools has accelerated research progress, enabling informed decision-making for the enhancement of silkworm health, productivity, and the overall sericulture industry. As sericulture in Assam and India possesses immense potential with four distinct silkworm varieties, the strategic application of bioinformatics is crucial for leveraging next-generation sequencing data to drive advancements in this field.
Author(s) Details:
Dipankar Brahma
Department of Sericulture, Forest College and Research Institute, Mettupalayam-641301, India.
Nilav Ranjan Bora
Department of Sericulture, Forest College and Research Institute, Mettupalayam-641301, India.
Rushali Chakraborty
Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, AAU, Jorhat 785013, India.
Jugabrat Sarma
Department of Sericulture, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, Assam 783350, India.
Abhigyan Rajhowa
Department of Sericulture, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, Assam 783350, India.
Also See : Microplastics Through Infant Foods : A Part from the Book Chapter : Microplastic Exposure to Infants
Recent Global Research Developments in The Role of Bioinformatics in Sericulture Advancement
Application of Biotechnology in Sericulture: This article discusses the integration of modern biotechnology in sericulture, highlighting the use of marker-assisted selection and transgenic approaches to enhance silk quality and productivity. It also explores the potential of silk for biomedical applications [1] .
Current Trends in Bioinformatics Research: This editorial report from BMC Bioinformatics provides an overview of the latest trends in bioinformatics, including its application in analyzing large biological datasets. Although not specific to sericulture, the methodologies discussed are highly relevant [2] .
Tools and Applications of Bioinformatics in Sericulture: This review focuses on the rapid advances in genomic and molecular research tools and their application in sericulture. It emphasizes the importance of bioinformatics in organizing and analyzing the vast amount of data generated in molecular biology [3] .
Bioinformatics Approaches in Plant Biotechnology: This article explores various bioinformatics tools and techniques essential for sorting and organizing biological data. While it primarily focuses on plant biotechnology, the approaches are applicable to sericulture research as well [4] .
Molecular Characterization of Functional Genes in Silkworms: This study investigates the functional genes associated with silk assembly, transport, and protection in silkworms. It highlights the role of bioinformatics in identifying and characterizing these genes to improve silk production [1] .
References
- Alam, K., Raviraj, V.S., Chowdhury, T. et al. Application of biotechnology in sericulture: Progress, scope and prospect. Nucleus 65, 129–150 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13237-021-00355-2
- Fu, Y., Ling, Z., Arabnia, H. et al. Current trend and development in bioinformatics research. BMC Bioinformatics 21 (Suppl 9), 538 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12859-020-03874-y
- Brahma, D., Bora, N. R., Narzary, P. R., Chakraborty, R., Sarma, J., & Rajkhowa, A. (2024). Tools and Applications of Bioinformatics in Sericulture: A Review. Asian Journal of Current Research, 9(1), 86-94.
- Tan, Y. C., Kumar, A. U., Wong, Y. P., & Ling, A. P. K. (2022). Bioinformatics approaches and applications in plant biotechnology. Journal of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, 20(1), 106.
To Read the Complete Chapter See Here