Giloy

Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) is a plant species from Menispermaceae plant family having wide-range of medicinal properties. We performed the first draft genome (1.13 Gbp) sequencing and analysis of Giloy plant, which is also the first plant to be sequenced from the Menispermaceae plant family. The phylogenetic position of T. cordifolia was resolved through a comprehensive genome-wide analysis including 36 other plant species. The results are available in the international preprint server bioRxiv.

Ficus

Indian Banyan Tree (Ficus benghalensis) and Peepal (Ficus religiosa) are plant species from Moraceae plant family well-known for their long lifespan, religious significance, and medicinal properties. We performed the first draft genome sequencing and analysis of Ficus benghalensis and Ficus religiosa, belonging to Moraceae plant family, using 10x Genomics linked-read and Oxford Nanopore sequencing technologies. Comparative evolutionary analysis performed across 20 species including six short-lived and long-lived Ficus species revealed evolution in genes involved in key cellular mechanisms associated with prolonged survival including phytohormones signalling, senescence, disease resistance genes and their high expression, and abiotic stress tolerance, which provide new genomic insights into the mechanisms that confer longevity and suggest that longevity is a multifaceted phenomenon. These findings have been published in iScience, Cell Press (2022).

Turmeric

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a plant species from Zingiberaceae plant family having wide-range of medicinal properties. We performed the first draft genome (1.02 Gbp) sequencing and analysis of Turmeric plant, which is also the first plant to be sequenced from the Zingiberaceae plant family. The comparative evolutionary analysis revealed evolution in genes associated with secondary metabolism (including curcuminoid biosynthesis pathway), plant phytohormones signalling, and various biotic and abiotic stress tolerance responses. These mechanisms are crucial for perennial and rhizomatous plants such as C. longa for defence and environmental stress tolerance via production of secondary metabolites, which are associated with the wide range of medicinal properties in C. longa. This study has been published in Nature Communications Biology (2021).

Aloe vera

Aloe vera is a species from Asphodelaceae family having unique characteristics such as drought resistance and numerous medicinal properties. We performed the first draft genome sequencing and analysis of Aloe vera species, which is the first plant to be sequenced from the Asphodelaceae family. It is the largest angiosperm genome to be sequenced and assembled till date, and also the largest Eukaryotic genome to be sequenced using Oxford Nanopore sequencing technology. The comprehensive comparative analysis of Aloe vera with the other available high-quality monocot genomes revealed adaptive evolution in several genes of drought stress response, CAM pathway, and circadian rhythm in this species. The findings have been published in iScience, Cell Press (2021).

Indian cow

Bos indicus is a domestic cattle species with many indigenous breeds found in India and is important for dairy, draught work, and other household activities. We performed the whole genome sequencing to construct reference-based genome assemblies of four B. indicus breeds; Ongole, Kasargod Dwarf, Kasargod Kapila, and Vechur, of which Vechur is known as the smallest cow of the world. We also report the first de novo genome assemblies of these native B. indicus breeds. Genomic analysis helped to identify the distinct bovine phenotypic characteristics-related and other biological process-related genes in this species compared to B. taurus, and to gain comparative genomic insights between the dwarf and non-dwarf breeds of this species. The results are available in the international preprint server bioRxiv.

Indian peacock

The Indian peafowl, also known as blue peafowl (Scientific Name: Pavo cristatus), is the National Bird of India. We have sequenced and assembled a high-quality genome of Indian peafowl to gain insights on its unique phenotype. The most significant outcome was the revelation of signs of evolution in the early stages of body development which makes it different from the other birds. Our study found the genes responsible for the feather patterning which makes peacock as one of the most beautiful birds on this planet. We found that it has a robust immune system which helps it to fight against infections and live longer. We also provided new insights on the molecular underpinnings of sexual selection in this species and identifies specific genomic regions for future in-depth analysis. The findings have been published in Frontiers in Genetics (2018), and Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution (2021).

Tiger

Tiger (Scientific Name: Panthera tigris) is the largest felid and is highly endangered species. The subspecies Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) is native to Indian subcontinent and is recognized as the National Animal of India. We sequenced the first Bengal tiger genome and transcriptome from India, and corrected the erroneous bases in the previous genome assembly and gene set of tiger species using ‘SeqBug’ approach developed in this study. The unique genetic changes in tiger revealed that the genes showing signatures of adaptation in tiger were enriched in development and neuronal functioning. This study has been published in Nature Scientific Reports (2019).