Researchers at the Salk Institute have developed the most detailed genetic map of cannabis to date, analyzing 193 genomes from various strains. This groundbreaking study uncovers significant genetic diversity within the cannabis species, particularly in genes related to cannabinoids and fatty acids, and offers insights into the roles of sex chromosomes in breeding. Published in the journal Nature, this research provides a valuable resource for improving cannabis cultivation for medicinal, industrial, and sustainable applications.
Cannabis has been a vital crop for over 10,000 years, known for its psychoactive properties due to THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) as well as for its fibers, oils, and seeds. Despite its historical importance, cannabis has remained under-researched, particularly after decades of legal restrictions in many countries. Recent legislative changes in the United States in 2014 and 2018 have renewed interest in cannabis cultivation for various applications, including medicine and fiber production.
The Salk research team collaborated with Oregon CBD, Oregon State University, and the HudsonAlpha Institute of Biotechnology to create this comprehensive cannabis genetic atlas. Their findings reveal that cannabis genomes exhibit extraordinary diversity, with specific attention given to cannabinoid synthesis pathways and genomic variations related to fatty acid metabolism.
The study highlights the genetic complexities of cannabis, which is unique among plants because it has separate male and female plants. This distinction complicates genetic analysis, but the research team utilized advanced long-read sequencing technology to overcome these challenges. Traditional sequencing methods often miss critical genetic information, but long-read techniques capture larger DNA segments, revealing intricate gene structures and variations.
Key findings from the study include: – 23% of genes examined were present in all genomes, while 55% were found in 95-99% of them. Meanwhile, 21% of genes were identified in 5-94% of the genomes. – The research identified variability in genes related to fatty acid metabolism and growth, opening up new avenues for selective breeding aimed at enhancing cannabis traits. – Notably, researchers discovered structural variations in the fatty acid biosynthetic pathway that affect the production of tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), a cannabinoid noted for its potential energizing effects.
The study’s genomic data indicates that two genes related to cannabinoid synthesis, THCAS and CBDAS, are likely under selective pressure due to human breeding efforts focused on increasing THC and CBD levels. This focus on cannabinoid genes has resulted in considerable genetic variation among cannabis plants.
Looking forward, the research points to several opportunities for optimizing cannabis cultivation. The differences noted between European and Asian genomes suggest the existence of an ancient relative of cannabis in Asia, which could provide valuable genetic resources for breeding resilient cannabis plants. Furthermore, the study indicates that male cannabis plants contain genes that could enhance offspring performance, suggesting that current breeding practices may overlook beneficial genetic traits.
As the cannabis market continues to grow, this genetic atlas provides a vital framework for breeders and researchers to improve cannabis crops for health and industrial uses. The Salk Institute team envisions that their work will help unlock the full potential of cannabis as a resource for fiber, seed oil, and medicinal applications, ultimately driving innovation in the cannabis industry.
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