Genome Analysis of Murraya Koenigii to Study the Expression of Genes Involved in Secondary Metabolite Production

Abstract

This study was undertaken in Murraya koenigii, known as curry leaves famous for its aromatic properties and medicinal uses. Except for the higher Himalayan regions, curry leaf trees have naturalised in forests and wastelands across the Indian subcontinent. It has been demonstrated scientifically and experimentally that every part of the plant, including the leaves, stem, bark, roots, and essential oil, contains physiologically active substances, such as a range of antioxidants. The metabolites of these plants have some additional therapeutic properties including antifungal activity, antibacterial activity, hepatoprotective effect, immunomodulatory effect, anti-diabetic activity, anti-cancer activity, and wound healing effect. It is possible to mine functionally active secondary metabolite-producing genes using the NGS data. Here, omics and in-silico data analysis were done to get an insight into the secondary metabolites in Murraya and to study their biosynthesis pathway. This study will further strengthen the research and knowledge about secondary metabolites and their biosynthesis pathways.