Kolkata: A “snapshot” of the muga silkworm genome decoded by Indian scientists offers vital clues for imparting disease-resistance to help conserve the economically important insect which spins the distinctive golden yellow fabric synonymous with Assam.
Bioengineering Research Laboratory (BERL) at IIT-Guwahati, in collaboration with the Central Silk Board (CSB) has, for the first time, dug inside the transcriptome-genetic blueprints that are needed to translate the information stored in the DNA into functional gene products such as proteins.
In the muga silkworm’s case, components that shield it against diseases and provide immunity, were deciphered.
“We have for the first time decoded the comprehensive transcriptome of muga silkworm using next-generation sequencing. Information obtained by transcriptomic studies along with full genome sequence will help draw research strategies for protection of muga silkworm from the vagaries of nature,” Utpal Bora, team leader at BERL, told IANS about the latest study.
Transcriptomes (collection of messenger RNA molecules in a tissue or cell) are indicative of gene activity and can vary with external environmental conditions.
So, analysing transcriptome provides an idea about how environmental factors drive gene activity and influence immunity in the silkworm. “Once the full molecular information is decoded, advanced technologies like ‘genome editing’ and ‘genome engineering’ can help immensely in conservation and development of new muga silkworm varieties in future,” Bora said.
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assamensis, popularly known as the muga silkworm, is the most important component of the Assamese silk industry and it hugely contributes towards employment generation in northeastern India, having great socio-economic and cultural significance for several tribes and communities of the region.