Macroalgal Functional Genomics: A Missing Area

Abstract

Functional genomics may be defined as the study of deciphering the function and regulation of genes for various traits. Functional genomics has made significant advances in decoding functionality of gene(s) and their regulations furthering our knowledge of systems biology of an organism. The true benefits of such studies have widely been realized in terrestrial plants by understanding their bio-architecture, physiology, regulation and metabolic activations. The functional genomics studies for marine macroalgae (seaweeds) are underdetermined despite their proven economic value. Seaweeds are generally found growing in the intertidal region and experience diverse chronic stresses, including the desiccation, intense irradiance, ultraviolet radiation, salinity and submergence/exposure arising from periodic regular tidal rhythms. The molecular basis of genetic regulations involved in physiological adaptation of seaweeds is limited. The whole genome sequences available for Ectocarpus siliculosus and Chondrus crispus remained largely functionally unannotated. On the other hand, the seaweed improvement programmes also retarded due to limitation of mapping of functional traits over genetic loci. So far, only a few verities were developed using time-consuming conventional breeding approach. The advancement in functional genomics in seaweeds can significantly contribute to these gap areas. Moreover, the functional genomics will facilitate decoding of the mechanisms regulating biosynthesis of species-specific valuable products. This will support the genetic manipulation research for improvements of desired traits in seaweeds. This review, therefore, highlights the potentials of functional genomics in understanding and resolving the unexplored facts about seaweed physiology and trait characterization for developing strategies towards crop improvement.