Chilean researchers decipher the maqui genome
A research team got the first draft of the complete genome sequence of the maqui, a finding that will allow us to understand what makes it a “superfood” in addition to allowing the implementation of conservation programs.
"With this draft of the genome, we hope to contribute to establishing the bases to accelerate research on maqui and its applications," said Adriana Bastías from the Institute of Biomedical Sciences of the Autonomous University of Chile. She is the leader of the team also made up of researchers from the Institute of Agricultural Research (INIA) and the North School of Medicine of the study group, who obtained the first draft of the complete sequence of the maqui genome.
Maqui is recognized for its high antioxidant power, it has between 5 and 6 times more anthocyanins than blueberries and 10 more than grapes. In traditional Mapuche medicine, its healing, anti-inflammatory and astringent properties stand out, among others. Hence the relevance of studying in depth what allows these important characteristics.
The team of researchers extracted the genomic DNA from the maqui leaves collected from trees in the O'Higgins region. He was subsequently sequenced using the NextSeq 550 system, a state-of-the-art instrument that allows to establish the exact order of the four bases that make up the DNA molecule.
This information will allow to know their genetic potential, which sections of DNA contain genes and which sections carry regulatory instructions. This will facilitate the identification of the molecular mechanisms that underlie the medicinal and nutritional properties of maqui, its ecological, genetic and chemical characteristics, in addition to expanding research on its cultivation.
Breeding programs
“It was possible to identify 210.067 microsatellite type molecular markers or repetitive short DNA sequences, which are composed of non-coding DNA and are not part of any gene, however, they are used as genetic markers so they provide information on the level and distribution of genetic variation ”, analyzes Dr. Bastías, this information will allow the implementation of conservation programs that ensure the preservation of the diversity and viability of the maqui in the long term.
Currently, production is based on the collection of fruits from wild plants, but the growing international demand increased pressure on natural populations, making it one of the most overexploited species in Chile. "The maqui has enormous commercial potential, the increase in national and international demand for the fruit makes it necessary to switch to agricultural production, this draft of its genome provides valuable information to assist, for example, breeding programs," said Dr. Bastias
Exports have had a strong growth in the last decade, reaching more than 424 tons in 2017 for a total of around 9,9 millions of dollars. The main destinations are Japan, South Korea, Italy and the United States, among others.
It is also used for the preparation of food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic products. “Having its genome, without a doubt, will be a strong impulse to move from the harvest of natural populations to sustainable agricultural production, satisfying market demands, ensuring the implementation of an effective conservation system for their natural populations,” concludes the researcher. .
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