Guanhai Ruan

Author    Correspondence author
Genomics and Applied Biology, 2024, Vol. 15, No.   
Received: 01 Jan., 1970    Accepted: 01 Jan., 1970    Published: 23 Oct., 2024

The primary goal of this study is to advance the understanding of the Cannabis sativa genome and to identify functional genes that contribute to its medicinal, industrial, and agricultural applications. Our comprehensive analysis revealed several key findings. Current Cannabis genome assemblies are incomplete, with significant portions missing or unmapped, which hampers accurate gene annotation. Recent advancements in genomics have identified four genes significantly associated with lifetime cannabis use: NCAM1, CADM2, SCOC, and KCNT2, which are linked to various phenotypes such as substance use and body mass index. Additionally, a high-quality reference genome for wild Cannabis sativa has been developed, providing valuable genetic resources for future research. In silico approaches have been proposed for genome editing, targeting genes involved in cannabinoid biosynthesis, which could lead to novel applications in agriculture and medicine. Furthermore, virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) methods have been successfully applied to study gene functions in cannabis, demonstrating the potential for functional gene studies. The findings underscore the importance of coordinated efforts to complete and refine Cannabis genome assemblies. The identification of key genes and the development of advanced genomics tools hold significant promise for the genetic improvement of cannabis. These advancements could lead to enhanced medicinal and industrial applications, ultimately benefiting various sectors including agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology.